Find out what’s so special about these Olympics
More stories from Scott Bowser
On Friday, March 27th students from all over Cumberland County will participate in the Special Olympics
Despite facing countless challenges from birth, those who are considered intellectually disabled participate in events such as the annual Special Olympics.
There are over 20,000 competitors in the state of Pennsylvania alone, according to Jeremiah Henry, a McGowan Psychology teacher and Special Olympics volunteer. On Mar 27, Dickinson College will be hosting Special Olympic Pennsylvania (SOPA) events for Cumberland County.
SOPA participants can take part in the following sports: Bocce, running, walking, powerlifting, roller skating, soccer, volleyball, alpine skiing, ice speed skating, floor hockey, athletics, aquatics, basketball, bowling, cycling, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, softball, and tennis.
“Each school district will be sending athletes to the games,” said Henry.
In addition to participating as athletes, over 50 CHS students are volunteering.
One of these students is junior Hannah Richards. After volunteering for five years, Richards believes the Special Olympics matter because it “helps the kids feel special and included just like everyone else.”
Junior Derrick Coleman, a first time volunteer, will also be helping out at this event.
Coleman wants to “help others at the Special Olympics” and have a “pleasurable experience.”
Similarly, senior James Schwartz contributes in order “to help people achieve their goals.”
Whether someone is an athlete or volunteer, mentally handicapped or not, young or old, the Special Olympics offers a day of fun and activity to all.
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This is Scott Bowser, Periscope's News Section Editor. He's a junior that enjoys Netflix, tennis, and hanging out with friends. #ChipotleisLife
Bailey Chambers • May 12, 2015 at 10:12 am
I had an amazing time volunteering at the special Olympics and it was a great experience. I hope to do it again in the future.
McKenzie Mangan • Apr 7, 2015 at 9:12 am
The special Olympics is a great chance to get out and help others who have disabilities. While I didn’t participate this year, I would love to do it next year. It seems like a great experience to get the community together and experience something new in a positive way.
Michaela McQuaig • Mar 26, 2015 at 5:29 pm
I was able to help out with Special Olympics last year, and it was such a fun and rewarding experience. I love working with special needs kids, and it was so great to see them all interacting together and letting them have a day of fun and friendship. Special Olympics is a great opportunity to serve the community as well as being a great time!
Kenleigh Peet • Mar 26, 2015 at 12:08 pm
I am so excited for this tomorrow! This will be my first time helping with The Special Olympics and I couldn’t be more eager. I also think that this is a great program with many events for all who wish to participate. I’m only sorry that I did not get involved earlier! Good luck to all helping and participating!