BlogsStudent LifeServiceUpper School
Special Olympics: Going the Extra Mile in Service
Apr 25, 2013 10:08 AM
By Harlan Dulaney '16 - '16
I really liked the Special Olympics. While I didn’t have an opportunity to personally connect with any kids, I was present at a few of the races at the very beginning of the games and it was heart warming to see them compete. You could just tell by looking at them that it was their moment to shine, and it made me feel so happy for them -- happy that even though they may not have been dealt the best hand in life, they could still compete, have fun and play with their friends.
After that, I went to make hot dogs and help out with serving lunch. It was nice to see the participants when they got their lunches. They were pretty happy that they could finally eat and sit and talk with their friends.
Volunteering at the Special Olympics made me feel lucky and blessed that I was born as I am now. But at the same time, I don’t pity those kids. They don’t want you to pity them. I just see them as people who are just a little different, and "different" denotes neither good nor bad. It just means not the same. I was happy for the kids. It was wonderful to see their faces and eyes light up with joy and satisfaction when they raced and when they finished. They seemed so happy that they got a ribbon and that they got to have fun doing something they loved to do.
Being part of this event allowed us to go the extra mile in doing more for others. We can make a difference in someone’s life with what we do and in showing people that we care. Events like the Special Olympics can teach us to help others in need, to give support to those who need encouragement, and most importantly, to respect others regardless of what they look or where they come from. Everyone should have the opportunity to do what they love with passion, and we should always support them along the way.
After that, I went to make hot dogs and help out with serving lunch. It was nice to see the participants when they got their lunches. They were pretty happy that they could finally eat and sit and talk with their friends.
Volunteering at the Special Olympics made me feel lucky and blessed that I was born as I am now. But at the same time, I don’t pity those kids. They don’t want you to pity them. I just see them as people who are just a little different, and "different" denotes neither good nor bad. It just means not the same. I was happy for the kids. It was wonderful to see their faces and eyes light up with joy and satisfaction when they raced and when they finished. They seemed so happy that they got a ribbon and that they got to have fun doing something they loved to do.
Being part of this event allowed us to go the extra mile in doing more for others. We can make a difference in someone’s life with what we do and in showing people that we care. Events like the Special Olympics can teach us to help others in need, to give support to those who need encouragement, and most importantly, to respect others regardless of what they look or where they come from. Everyone should have the opportunity to do what they love with passion, and we should always support them along the way.
