Sharing the joy of a special triumph

Special Olympics South Carolina is very proud to have had Katie Smith represent our state in the Special Olympics World Games held in PyeongChang, South Korea, in January.

Her participation in Special Olympics is a tribute to Katie’s parents, who never expected less of Katie than their other children.

It is a tribute to the volunteers who have coached Katie.

It is a tribute to the many people in our community who made donations to pay the expenses in order for Katie to participate in both training and competing.

It is a tribute to Special Olympics to have created a program where people with intellectual disabilities can train and compete.

Through the power of sport, Special Olympics strives to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people.

Once ignored and neglected, hidden at home or isolated from the community in institutions, people with intellectual disabilities have gained respect and acceptance through Special Olympics.

To every athlete involved, the program provides a lifetime of active participation in sports and an opportunity to become contributing and accepted members of society.

To their families, it is a symbol of hope. To volunteers and to the public, Special Olympics offers an experience that uplifts the spirit and touches the heart.

A person’s participation in Special Olympics has been scientifically proven to have a variety of beneficial outcomes, including improved self-esteem and overall health, better relationships with family members and a greater ability to become productive members of the community.

Special Olympics athletes are given opportunities to participate without regard to economic, demographic, religious or social factors. Neither athletes nor parents are charged a fee to participate in the program, and activities exist for those of all ability levels, from the highly functioning to the severely challenged. Anyone can participate in Special Olympics if they meet the eligibility criteria of having an intellectual disability or a similar developmental disability.

Intellectual disability does not discriminate. Athletes who participate in Special Olympics come in all ages, ethnicities, and economic and social backgrounds. However, a significant number of athletes live in urban areas and come from lower socioeconomic groups. In addition, the vast majority of school-aged children with intellectual disabilities who attend public schools receive free or reduced lunch, placing them in the at-risk demographic.

There are 17,000+ Special Olympics SC Athletes. Over 90,000 people in South Carolina have a developmental disability

We invite you to join our family and make it possible for one more person to benefit from the lessons learned from Special Olympics.

For information about becoming a sponsor, coach, or volunteer please contact pbyers1@comcast.net.

PAULA BYERS

Marketing and Development Director

Special Olympics South Carolina

Montgomery Road

Charleston