The Special Olympics: A History of Breaking Barriers 

While most of the focus is on the worldwide event, The Special Olympics games are also performed on a local and state level. South Carolina’s faction of the Special Olympics helps create unity, strength and courage in the local community. 

Over 30,000 people with disabilities participate in the South Carolina games, and 20,000 people from around the state volunteer to help. Kara Harmon, the communications director for the South Carolina Special Olympics, writes, “SOSC works towards creating healthier lifestyles but also gives the athletes an opportunity to develop friendships and have a full social life, just like their peers. SOSC impacts athletes for their lifespan so there is something for everyone to become involved with.”

On April 21, Lancaster County participated in the Special Olympics at the Lancaster County  Recreation Center. Along with many other volunteers, Buford High School students provided support during the event. Groups like Educators Rising and JROTC sent members to work and assist participants at the event. Even in the hot weather and busy atmosphere, our students were able to support the participants in the event.

The state games are divided into different areas, and Lancaster is a part of Area Eleven, along with York and Chester. Since 1970, many locals have participated in the South Carolina Special Olympics. According to Kathy Covington, the volunteer director of Area Eleven, “We started off with 300 athletes and today we serve over 1,800. Our athletes compete in 11 different Unified and traditional sports. Unified sports are teams that include Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners.”

Lancaster County, in particular, has their own edition of the spring games event, including track and field events. Other events include a swim invitational, disc golf tournament, bocce ball tournament and bowling. Talented athletes or teams are sent to compete at state, national, and world events.

One of Buford’s students, Joseph Mahaffey, participated in the event. According to him, the Special Olympics were a great success.“I had a good time at the Special Olympics.” Mahaffey also mentioned some of the fun activities like running and jumping. The Special Olympics created a fantastic event for all involved. 

The Special Olympics has a monumental impact on all participants and families involved in the event. The games create unity among the athletes and communities by allowing the participants to lead and grow. The Special Olympics also raises awareness and funds for these communities with the help of global leaders and health professionals. All around, the Special Olympics has an extraordinary impact on people with disabilities. 

The Special Olympics are essential to many people's lives, so they should continue to be supported. Any support helps the community of students and adults with intellectual disabilities. It is important to cheer on anyone you know that is participating in the event. The program also relies on the support of others. 

“We are a volunteer organization that depends on people giving their time to plan and coordinate our competitions, conduct fundraisers, to work at the various competitions and most importantly to give their time as a Unified partner and to coach our athletes,” Covington said.

The games are also crucial in the spreading of awareness about intellectual disabilities. No one should be made to suffer because of others due to a disability. The Special Olympics is just one step in a long journey of inclusion and equality. 

Listed below are donation and volunteer links for the Special Olympics:

World 

South Carolina