To Be An Olympian
The Olympics are in full swing. We are watching basketball, swimming, gymnastics, rowing, soccer, table tennis, archery, volleyball, tennis and on and on! The participating participating train for years and years. They’ve dedicated their lives to being the best in the world at the sport they’ve chosen.
There are lots of ways to exercise but I am always in awe of those who choose to get up in the wee hours of the morning and go for a long run, or those who go to the gym on a daily basis to work out. I’m lucky if I get up at 6:00 and just get my devotional time in!
I’ve tried to schedule in exercising ‘for the health of it' and actually can manage it for a week or so, and then find myself slipping as ‘life’ hands me other things to take care of first thing in the morning. I have discovered if I don’t get it done early, before I start my ‘domestic duties’, have breakfast, or go to town, it’s just not going to happen. Still, I find a measure of motivation as I watch these incredible athletes competing day after day at such a level, I can’t even imagine!
It must be encouraging to be able to work with other like minded athletes to aid in training. Competing, while seeing others who have different strengths, even in the same sport must be helpful. It would be beneficial to see where limitations can be stretched, to make a person better in their sport.
This mindset is the same as having inclusive classrooms for those children with disabilities. There is incentive to work harder (or smarter) to make given skills stronger. This also applies in sports in a similar way. Mainstream camps offer opportunities for children with disabilities to participate with non-disabled children, which acts as an encouraging component.
While promoting fitness or just for fun, whether a child is riding a bike, swimming, hiking or playing volley ball, an inclusive environment can be challenging and inspiring for a child with special needs!
Raising a child with special needs can be a stressful and demanding job. But most parents will tell you these very special children bring them incredible joy and love that surpasses all the demands placed upon them. When they can find a place where their child is accepted, regardless of their ‘ability’, to experience the unique joy of competition, on their level, they are overjoyed.
When children are placed in the same environment, regardless of ability, early in their formative years, they each can grow from each other. Acceptance at this age is a powerful tool in the understanding and advocacy of the disability community. With each act of acceptance of differences, we are pushing back the idea that a disability or difference of any kind is something to be rejected and looked upon as something that is wrong.
Differences are not wrong, nor is having a disability. Each is just different and that is perfectly okay. We are designed to be so, and should make acceptance and inclusion commonplace rather than unusual..
Special Olympics is striving to make inclusion a part of their future. This plan will set the stage for greater inclusion throughout communities across the nation. Coaches believe the camaraderie between participants will challenge and inspire all those present, and create life long relationships.
As you enjoy the remaining days of the Olympic games, consider exercising ‘for the health of it’, or for competition and invite your kids to go along, regardless of their perceived ability or lack there-of! Enjoy the ride, just for the fun of it, or perhaps begin the training for a future Olympian!