An opinion on why athletes with disabilities are just as capable of doing what those without disabilities can.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Some say those with disabilities can't do what those without disabilities can. I think it's complete nonsense.
Take the Special Olympics for example.
It doesn't matter if they have Down Syndrome, Autism or Fragile X Syndrome. You have athletes from around the world competing on different levels, from local to world.
Yes, the Special Olympics has World Games!
Just as athletes without disabilities, they're competing in games like soccer, basketball, volleyball, swimming, track, figuring skating. You name it. They play it.For every Michael Phelps, Michelle Kwan, Kerri Walsh Jennings, Usain Bolt, Simone Biles, there is a Special Olympics athlete who is training to do exactly what they do. Maybe not on their level, but they are still competing. They're still training year in and year out just to win a gold medal, a silver medal or a bronze medal.
I have volunteered at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles in 2015. I have seen this with my own eyes, how good these athletes really are. I was in the softball event. They can hit. They can throw. The can catch. They can pitch. They have cannons for arms. Move over Mike Trout, you're not the only one who can throw from centerfield. At the end of the day, too, they know why they are there. It's for the common good of the team. They win together. They lose together. Just like regular athletes.
So, don't tell me that Special Olympics athletes can't do what those without disabilities can. They can, they have and they will continue to do so.
The following links are examples of how Special Olympic athletes have shared similarities with Olympic athletes.
- http://www.abc10.com/news/local/local-special-olympics-athlete-receives-espy-award/455511230
- http://www.espn.com/specialolympics/story/_/id/18951992/special-olympics-world-games-why-competitiveness-defines-athletes
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