WASHINGTON —
The 2024 DC Special Olympics Summer Games are on! More than 400 athletes from 40 different DC Public Schools compete in the games.
“When you get the diagnosis of a disability, people tell you what you can't do. But Special Olympics DC, we tell them everything they can do," said Nicole Preston, President and CEO of Special Olympics DC. "They had qualifying heats to be able to be here today and now they get to really show what they can do."
Students train for events like track and field, volleyball, and soccer.
Athlete Malik Garrett shared what his training was like leading up to the games.
“When I trained today? OK, so before we start the championship, where we in school, we just did a little bit more practice. Volleyball, we did the softball throw, javelin toss, and running on the track. So, we did the practice training until we came here,” Garrett said.
Special Olympics DC provides kids with a safe place to play sports and to learn valuable social and emotional skills. Students also can participate in unified sports which is a team made up of athletes with and without intellectual disabilities. Bringing these students together can help to break down harmful stereotypes.
Preston said, “We really see them blossom. We really see them come out to gain confidence, to improve their motor skills, [and] improve their speaking ability. Part of the development we offer is not just physical with the sports, but social emotional learning.”
The program is free for participants and from here athletes can qualify for the national and world games.
Preston said, “They're so thrilled to earn those medals and to really show the world what they can accomplish."
If you would like more information about DC Special Olympics, you can visit their website here.
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