Special Olympics events just never get old

Unless you've been around the Special Olympics, or around someone who participates, you can't really understand the wonderful effect that competition and participation play in the lives of those with special needs or disabilities.

On April 11, about 350 athletes participated in the annual spring games in Cape Girardeau.

Throughout the year, the Special Olympics hosts a number of sporting events for its competitors, according to a story written by Savanna Maue.

"The great thing about Special Olympics is that people of all ability levels get the chance to do their best and know what that feels like," said event coordinator Penny Williams of the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation department. "It increases their self-esteem and makes them feel just like everybody else, and everybody deserves that feeling. So I am very proud that we got the opportunity to do that."

The event couldn't happen without volunteers.

Williams says she always tells the volunteers that "a lot of these guys -- their families can't travel with them, so I always explain to the Greek students about why it's so important to cheer for them. They don't get to do this in the public school systems. They don't get the opportunity to wear a uniform and travel with the team and win with their friends, but because we provide this, they do."

Too often those with special needs are bullied or ignored in regular school settings. The Special Olympics events are a tremendous way to let these athletes be themselves, enjoy competition and absorb the support of so many.

We've sung the praises of the Special Olympics before, and will continue to do so. It's an event that never gets tired.

Congratulations to all the athletes, and huge thanks go to all of those who volunteered and contributed.