The Special Olympics organization has been a pillar of my life for over a decade at this point. I can vividly remember feeling isolated before becoming a apart of this organization, it was the lowest point of my young life. The Special Olympics gave me an opportunity to compete, have fun, and feel like valued member of a team. I can go on and on about the lifelong friends I made while being an athlete, but I only have two paragraphs to work with. So, this weekend I competed in the sport of downhill skiing for the Special Olympic Winter Games. This organization also opened up more opportunities for me by building connections with people who volunteer or work there. So, let me tell you more.
An Opportunity For People Like Me To Compete
It all started in 2012, when I joined the Special Olympics bowling team after some convincing of my mother. It took me some time to warm up but I grew to love the sports and my teammates who now feel like an extended family. Without the Special Olympics, I don’t know if I stop resenting my own disability or be more comfortable just being myself. I encourage everyone to find an organization, project, or group of people who you can relate on a deep level to give you hope. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, addiction, self-doubt, mental health, etc. Humans are social creatures, even if we need alone time, we also need people to talk to from time to time. So find out where you belong!