Sports play an important role in the lives of high schoolers everywhere, and Eunice Kennedy Shriver believed everyone, regardless of abilities, deserved the opportunity to play.
For this reason, in 1968, Shriver founded Camp Shriver which has since then evolved into the Special Olympics.
This program was created to, “…fight inactivity, injustice, and intolerance,” for students and athletes with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics teach students the best life lessons commonly associated with athletics including, teamwork and self-confidence while building lifelong friendships.
Pleasant Valley students compete in the East Area division along with the rest of Scott County, and Dubuque, Jackson, Muscatine, and Clinton counties. In one year, approximately 14,000 athletes compete in Iowa’s 99 counties along with 5 million worldwide.
Iowa’s Special Olympics arrange competitions in bowling, basketball, swimming, and the Spring Games. They also provide year round-sports training. The most recent competition was held at North Scott High School on April 14.
This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity many of these students cannot get anywhere else, so many jump at the chance to compete. Four Pleasant Valley students participated in the Spring Games which consist of track events such as jumps, throws, and running/walking races.
Nancy Shannon, the East Area event director believes this program is much more than just a sporting event. “This sports program has given these athletes the chance to show what they are capable of doing, and has allowed them to grow not only as athletes but as members of the community,” she said.
PV students, Bobby Bender, Ben Babcock, Connor Schlichte, and Arthur Kretz, have been training with David Weaver during eighth period throughout the year and were ecstatic to have the opportunity to showcase all of their hard work and talents on the track.
Bender enjoys every minute he gets to compete with his friends and teammates. When asked why he loves the Special Olympics, Bender said, “I love to be with friends.”
The students’ excitement and determination going into the competition proved beneficial to each and every one of them. Babcock and Bender went head to head in the 50m dash, while Schlichte sprinted his way to a win in the 200m dash. Both Babcock and Schlichte secured their spots in the lineup for the state competition.
This was only the beginning for these students. Performing at Iowa State University in the Special Olympics Summer State Games will give Babcock and Schlichte the chance to show the rest of the state exactly what it means to overcome adversity and make the most of every opportunity.
