Community continues to embrace Special Olympics
It never ceases to amaze me just how receptive Marysville High School and Middle School athletic teams are to the district’s Special Olympics program.
It began several years ago when the Bunsold Middle School volleyball squads hosted a night for the Special Olympics youngsters.
In between seventh and eighth grade matches, the Bunsold players would get together with the Special Olympics kids for a match. It allowed the Special Olympians the opportunity to play on the middle school court in front of a large crowd.
Over the years, the Special Olympics program has expanded its relationship with other teams such as the high school girls golf, varsity baseball and basketball programs.
During the past few winters, Monarch high school hoopsters have volunteered to help with Special Olympics games as referees and score-keepers.
The Lady Monarch golf team recently played a match with the Special Olympics linksmen at Blues Creek.
Last night, the high school baseball team joined with Special Olympians to play a softball game at the varsity baseball diamond.
I think it’s safe to say that these activities have been an eye-opener for the Bunsold and high school athletes.
They can witness first-hand some of the struggles the Special Olympians have, but also see how hard these youngsters work and experience the joy they feel whenever they compete in an activity.
The Special Olympics organization is closing in on its Golden anniversary as it was founded on July 20, 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who was a sister to President John F. Kennedy.
It provides year-round training and competitions to more than five million athletes and unified sports partners in more than 170 countries.
The Marysville Schools and Union County Special Olympics programs have been active in the community for a number of years.
It has been during the last five or six years, however, that the word has really gotten out about what these special youngsters are able to accomplish with proper coaching and support from the community.
The local programs, for both youth and adults, have received added support from high school athletic teams and that is a very good sign that everyone is embracing the program’s philosophy that…
“We’re All Monarchs.”