Charlotte Jennings
Contributing Writer
While the Special Olympics will not occur at Webster this year, students are still participating in different sport events that Best Buddies will have a hand in running.
“Webster won’t be hosting the Special Olympics this year due to the track,” SSD teacher Angela Backer said. “But that doesn’t mean the Special Olympics aren’t happening elsewhere.”
The Special Olympics is a worldwide movement that strives for the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in sports. When it occurs in Webster, students with intellectual disabilities gather at the
Moss Field to participate in activities that help to build a strong community against ableism in sports.
“Participating in Special Olympics is an inclusive way to allow those that are not able to participate on other teams a chance to get that extra curricular experience, “ Backer said via email.
There are multiple opportunities for disabled children through the Special Olympics, including Young Athletes, an early childhood play program that encourages children with intellectual disabilities to participate in sports, learn how to interact with other children, and other important developmental skills.
“I think it is incredibly important to include those with disabilities in sports,” Backer said via email.
“It provides opportunities to socialize with others, build connections, and feel what it is like to be part of a team,” Backer said via email.
Instead of the Special Olympics, two other sport events, a softball tournament at Lindbergh and a Track and Field tournament at Kirkwood, will take its place. Both will include members of Best Buddies that will assist in the games.
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