Audio Slideshow

Host Intro:

In Wildwood New Jersey during this time of year it is very quiet and very calm. There are no birds chirping, no lines at the restaurants, and maybe one bicycle on the board walk. But, if you were to go into the Wildwood Convention Center, quiet is the last thing you will hear.  Kristy Richman takes us there...

(Basketball Ambiance)

When you think of someone with a mental disability you might think of someone who looks a little different, and talks a little different, but this weekend wasn’t about differences from person to person. It was more about embracing unique individuals and their love for sports. The New Jersey Special Olympics held its annual basketball tournament over the weekend in Wildwood, New Jersey.

There were over a thousand athletes from all ages at this event. Lenny Yanchar (yan-char) is a volunteer worker who has spent his last eight years volunteering.

“Being here helps me keep my sanity. I’ve gained a lot between athletes and coaches, it’s really a family.”

 The Special Olympics is an athletic event for for athletes with intellectual disabilities, also known as mental retardation. The definition of mental retardation is a person who has been identified as having an intellectual disability, the person has a cognitive delay, low IQ, or when the person has a closely related development disability.

When watching the Olympics there were tears and laughter, smiles and frowns but mostly lots of heart. Many do not look at these individuals having a disability but rather them being purely unique and special in each and every way.

Special Olympics Sports Vice President Lillian Narvaez. Says what the special Olympics are all about.

 

"I’ve been working for the Special Olympics for 24 years.  I see this organization They also teach us a couple of things also.”

The Special Olympics holds more than just basketball tournaments, they also cover

softball, soccer, hockey, bad mitten, skiing, snowboarding, and over fifteen other sports.

Although, the athletes might not have understood the questions that were being asked, there is one truth. They are in love with their sport.

“And I love Basketball”

The basketball tournaments may have been the highlight of this weekend but there was also a dance and carnival afterwards. Activities Coordinator Carmen Banney tells us about the athletes.

“I don’t remember the reason and why I did, but I   love what I do. Far too many stories to tell. They don’t have the ability to lie, they’re terrific people to be friends with.”

He also encourages volunteers to help out with any of the Special Olympic Events.

“Don’t be afraid, they’re not as scary as you would think, just don’t be afraid, come out and volunteer.”

Going to this event was pure inspiration. The athletes were being taught but they were also teaching everyone that was near them. This journey was one that goes straight to the heart.

Volunteer, Lenny Yanchar gives a little insight about the Special Olympics…

“It’s not always about the gold medal but more about the competition, more about fair play andthe love within the sport.”

The special Olympics Motto is…

“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Reporting for WKNJ, I’m Kristy Richman.