The Undefeated

Southern California Special Olympics Summer Games 2014

 

The Southern California Special Olympics welcomed over 1,200 athletes to their Summer Games Invitational with a spectacular opening ceremony at the University of Southern California on Friday, June 7, 2014. The athletes marched around the field to the tune of the university’s marching band, and were cheered on by a crowd filled with family, friends and excited Foundation for the Undefeated fans. The Law Enforcement Torch Run has been a part of the Special Olympics since 1981 and it is this wonderful organization who presented the lighting of the torch this year, with the help of local law enforcement officers who officially began
the 2014 Summer Games.

The Summer Games are one of two annual events held by the Southern California Special  Olympics and their tradition for being one of the most inspiring programs continued to hold true as the  weekend progressed. With sponsors like Vons, Coca-Cola, KTLA, Lionsgate, and The Walt Disney Club, the  Southern California Special Olympics has built a remarkable support system and SOSC founder, Rafer  Johnson, agreed when he said, “In teamwork, there is so much more strength”.

 The athletic events were amazing to see, as swimmers anticipated their starts in the water,  gymnasts took their places on the mat, runners got in position at the starting lines, and basketball players  prepared for the tip off. Every competition was fierce and inspiring as these athletes showcased their  talents and proved that no matter who you are or what disabilities you may live with, we all have the  ability for greatness and we should all have the chance to let others see it.

     In addition to the athletic events, sponsors of the Games set up booths, raffles, prizes and many other fun activities for everyone to enjoy throughout the weekend. Free health screening is administered to every athlete who asks, and includes eyesight tests, hearing scans and dental  health.  Among the activity booths was the ‘#takeastand’ table, which had people write an  inspirational saying  about the abilities found inside of every one of us on a chalk board, and take a  picture holding the board  for the organization’s website.

It was an incredible weekend to be a part of, and the support that these athletes have behind them  is an extraordinary sight to see. The Southern California Special Olympics is now preparing for the  World Games, which will take place summer of 2015 right here in Los Angeles, CA. With over 7,000 athletes competing and 177 total  countries in attendance, the World Games will be one of the most anticipated and exciting events the Special Olympics have hosted yet.

 

Carlyn Barker is a full-time student-athlete at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts pursuing a double major in Creative Writing and Communications.