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Special Olympics Returns
After a break of 2 years due to Covid-19, Westminster sophomores are finally back to serving at the
Anna Grace Likes Editor-in-Chief
At the beginning of this week, for the first time since before COVID-19, Westminster and the sophomore class hosted the Special Olympics, a day of basketball activities and fun for special school districts in the St. Louis area. The 10th grade inherits this service event every year and the entire class participates, each Westminster sophomore “buddying” with a student from these special schools.
“This year we hosted eight schools, [and] there were 172 athletes. The event gives many students an opportunity to do something they’ve never done before and opens their eyes and hearts to serving.” said Susie Brown, Director of Student Life and coordinator of the Special Olympics at Westminster.
Many of these Westminster students (and really any typical high schoolers) have no prior experience working with people who have disabilities or special needs of any kind. Most teens have never had a similar type of responsibility, and though many others are familiar with special schools like Promise Christian Academy or even know and love people with special needs, for others it was an unfamiliar form of service.
“I have never done anything like this before, and it was so much more fun than I expected! Of course I was excited, but I’ve never done anything like hosting the special olympics before so I was a little nervous.” said Hannah Ellinwood, sophomore.
Even though nerves and uncertainty may have been present for many at first, these sophomores all made fast friends with their buddies no matter their age or abilities. Throughout the day, they guided their athletes through multiple different planned activities, from basketball games with varying levels of difficulty, to “victory village” face painting, to a community lunch.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better buddy—Madison made my first experience so memorable and I’ll forever cherish the memories I made with her. She was eager to try every game and loved being cheered on. The whole experience was amazing and I enjoyed it so much,” said Ellinwood.
Teachers and administrators who see these students every day in a school environment were excited to see them step up into a new leadership role.
“I saw a joy and a carefree spirit that I don’t often get to witness when students are focused on their classes, their homework, and their busy schedules. People who may not even like basketball--and weren’t sure if they would be good at basketball--willingly jumped in a game to support their buddies. Leaders and encouragers emerged, and there was lots of laughter and partnership and no worries about looking foolish. I also was so proud of the way students rose to the occasion, juggling the responsibilities of tracking game schedules and getting buddies what they needed at the right times,” said Kim Graham, 9th and 10th grade principal.
As enjoyable it was for their teachers to see, the 10th graders easily saw the benefits and fun of this event as well. Though unexpected, challenging, or different at first, the bond that many of them formed with their buddy was worth the exhaustion they felt at the end of a packed-full day of games and leadership.
“It was such a fun role to be the one person your buddy looked up to for the day, and the person they’d run to with excitement when they won a game or got their face painted. I think we all learned to share our abilities with others and appreciate our unique gifts for the benefit of those around us,” said Ellinwood.
Other volunteers shared that “there is a wide range of disabilities” that they were unaware of and that they realized how “just being kind can change someone’s life.” Still others came to better understand their faith and how God created all people with special and unique abilities, explaining that “they are made in God’s image perfectly just like us,” (anonymous volunteer response feedback).
Overall, these sophomore volunteers had an enriching experience that will not be forgotten anytime soon by themselves, their teachers, or the “buddies” they served this week.
“I’m always pleased when I see students taking risks to exercise their gifts (or discover gifts they didn’t know they have!) and the Special Olympics basketball challenge day was all about thinking less about ourselves and investing in making the day special for someone else. It was an exhausting but beautiful day,” said Graham.
