Special Olympics: More Than Just a Competition

By Rampage Editor Julie Allison

On March 24, 2021, Owasso High School Special Education (OHS SpEd) students got to compete in three events during their regional Special Olympics of Oklahoma (SOOK) event such as the softball throw, 100-meter run/walk and the standing long jump. To outsiders, these events may seem like nothing more than just that—events; however, after speaking with a few of the competitors, I’ve found that many of them view the Special Olympics as a time for friendship, fun and growth.

Kenny King, an OHS sophomore, has been lucky enough to make lots of friends during his time competing with SOOK, and while he takes these competitions seriously, he does not let them get in the way of his friendships.

“It doesn’t matter if you win or lose; it just means that you can just be there for your friends and just have fun,” King explains.

Fortunately, King was not the only one who felt this way. Ninah Edwards, an OHS freshman, looks forward to SOOK and the fun that comes along with it. Although for her, a fun afternoon was only one of many things to gain from this experience.

Since first joining in sixth grade, Edwards has greatly improved her running skills.

“I used to be a wobbly runner. I wasn’t steady on my feet,” she says casually.

Because of this, Edwards was afraid to compete in the 100-meter run/walk at the start of her SOOK career for fear of falling. Now, through practice and determination, she is no longer afraid. 

“My brother helped me through it…” she explains “[we run]...almost every day” 

Today, Edwards loves to run and the 100-meter run/walk was even her favorite of the three events at this year’s SOOK.

With this, it is easy to see the importance of SOOK This event is not just a series of competitions, but rather a place to meet new friends and grow as individuals. During the interview, I was told that some people even met their best friends through these competitions. So while at the end of the day there will still be a first, second and third place, everyone who competed should feel proud of their own victories they’ve accomplished throughout their time in the Special Olympics.