"Special Olympics provides an outlet for people with intellectual
disabilities to compete and feel accomplishment."
~Barb Palas
Barb Palas
1. What is your involvement with Special Olympics? What special memories do you have?
"I have coached Special Olympics teams as a volunteer, covered events as a medical provider (opening ceremony, cycling, track and field). I have also gone to cheer on a family member. I have many memories including the joy and excitement at opening ceremonies expressed by all of the athletes. One thing that stands out is how much everyone cheers everyone else on. Often the last place finisher gets just as much cheering or more than the first place finisher."
2. How was the development of Special Olympics a turning point for the intellectually disabled?
"Special Olympics provides an outlet for people with intellectual disabilities to compete and feel accomplishment. Often they want to compete and participate in high school or community sports but are unable to. This allows them to compete and often be part of a team. They get to know their teammates and the community people who volunteer as coaches."
3. How has Special Olympics impacted the lives of the intellectually disabled, their families, and society?
"Special Olympics has an impact on individuals as well as the community as a whole. It provides awareness and hopefully with that a sense of inclusion and acceptance. It would be great if more people came to watch from the community to see what people with intellectual disabilities have to offer. They help all of us remember what is important in life."
"I have coached Special Olympics teams as a volunteer, covered events as a medical provider (opening ceremony, cycling, track and field). I have also gone to cheer on a family member. I have many memories including the joy and excitement at opening ceremonies expressed by all of the athletes. One thing that stands out is how much everyone cheers everyone else on. Often the last place finisher gets just as much cheering or more than the first place finisher."
2. How was the development of Special Olympics a turning point for the intellectually disabled?
"Special Olympics provides an outlet for people with intellectual disabilities to compete and feel accomplishment. Often they want to compete and participate in high school or community sports but are unable to. This allows them to compete and often be part of a team. They get to know their teammates and the community people who volunteer as coaches."
3. How has Special Olympics impacted the lives of the intellectually disabled, their families, and society?
"Special Olympics has an impact on individuals as well as the community as a whole. It provides awareness and hopefully with that a sense of inclusion and acceptance. It would be great if more people came to watch from the community to see what people with intellectual disabilities have to offer. They help all of us remember what is important in life."