by Nicole Dias

Created on: June 30, 2009   Last Updated: July 02, 2009

The Special Olympics instills so much more in its participants than the excitement of the event itself. The Special Olympics allows those individuals who have a handicap to shine. Some of the important effects of the Special Olympics for the participating athletes include the following:

Pride: Probably the most important part of the Special Olympics is looking into the athletes' eyes as they participate in the games. The sense of pride is beyond evident.

Self-Esteem: All athletes participating have their self-esteem lifted to a point that is not always possible in their everyday lives. Many times the athletes participating in the Special Olympics feel like they do not belong or that there is no possible way that they can accomplish what many of their peers can who do not have the same handicap. The Special Olympics shows them that this is not the case and they too can achieve great success.

Teamwork: Many Special Olympians learn how to work together as a team and succeed together. Teamwork is something that may be lacking in their everyday lives as they are often left feeling alone and different.

Good Health: By not only encouraging the athletes to participate but promoting practice and training the months prior, the Special Olympics helps the athletes understand the importance of physical activity.

Sense of Accomplishment: Like any athlete, when a Special Olympian competes the sense of accomplishment that is felt afterward is unparalleled. In any persons life this is a great feeling but to a Special Olympian who may not always feel that they can accomplish something as a result of their handicap there is an even more profound effect.

Acceptance: The Special Olympics promotes acceptance of these athletes and Olympians and helps the world understand that like anyone else a Special Olympian is a human being and deserves the same respect that any other human being would receive. This is an amazing and honorary feat.

The Special Olympics should be heralded as one of the great sporting events in the world. It possibly more than any other sporting event helps the athletes live happy and productive lives and helps them to understand how important they too are in this world. The amount of acceptance and love that has resulted from the Special Olympics to those who are handicapped in some capacity is genuine and real and will continue throughout the years. The unique aspect of the Special Olympics is that it not only helps the athletes but helps the volunteers to feel a sense of overwhelming love and dedication and helps the viewers and those watching to understand how we are all truly the same.

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