For the past ten years, James Logan’s track has been home to one of the unifying experiences of the school year, the Special Olympics. The Special Olympics are a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every single person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability. The organization is helping to make the world a better, healthier, and more joyful place — one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time, according to their mission statement.
Volunteers, students, and families all come together to celebrate the experience. Competitors participate in various challenges and events that include the 100-meter dash, long jump, and a four runner relay including a volunteer called the Unified Relay.
The inclusive experience is a memorable day for those competing. Senior Mareena Poloai, who sang the National Anthem before the Olympics, sees similarities with the Olympics and sports teams.
“I think this benefits the students because it gives them an opportunity to come together and be apart of a team such as how our other sports teams come together, the Special Olympics allows them to experience the same thing,” Poloai said.
Not only is the event a positive for the Olympians, but also the Logan students who volunteer. The students are excused from classes for the day to lend a helping hand in running the event. Although somewhat shy at first, the Olympians began to form bonds with the volunteers. Senior Roohi Khan sums up the rewarding experience.
“The biggest fear for the special students is that they won’t feel accepted and people will feel uncomfortable with their conditions. The way it benefits me and the people I’ve been working with is that not only have we learned to accept them but we also have formed friendships and connections with them. They feel apart of something and feel like they belong,” Khan said.
