The Special Olympics, why you should care

The Special Olympics is a event that seeks to break down barriers and end discrimination for people with intellectual disabilities.

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WHAT ARE INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES?

Intellectual Disability (ID) is used to describe people with certain limitations in cognitive functioning and other skills. This includes communication and self-care. There are many different forms of ID including Fragile X Syndrome, Down Syndrome, and Autism many others. Some ID’s have known causes while others remain a mystery

Unlike many physical disabilities a number of ID’s are not immediately obvious. Some people silently struggle while they complete their schooling, live active and productive lives deep into adulthood before getting an official diagnosis. For others their struggles are evident from a young age. And this is why we should all care.

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WHY WE SHOULD CARE

Bullies are all around us. Waiting to attack us for whatever they see as a weakness. Some of us can hide them while others can’t. It may not be an ID but any form of otherness can be picked out and on. This is what the Special Olympics looks to highlight and minimise. They strive for inclusion. It is not about creating a space where ”certain’ people are allowed to be but rather it’s about playing with and accommodating each other through integration.

In this spirit the games have a series of Unified Sports which are for teams with mixed abilities, those with and without ID’s. It is a place where families or friends with mixed abilities can join forces and have fun. In a world that increasingly looks to elevate those that are the ‘best’ this a where all that matters is taking part.

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HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Start with the basics, be nice. Respect those around you. If you have some funds to spare, you could help get Team South Africa to the games in Berlin, Germany here. The Games are being held from 16 – 25 June and it costs about R40 000 to get each athlete there so every little bit helps. To get involved and find out more you can contact the Special Olympics South Africa team here.

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