Special Olympics Puts Life in Perspective

My Experience at the 2015 New Jersey Special Olympics

With the 2015 Special Olympics World Games getting underway in Los Angeles today, I thought it an opportune time to write briefly about my own experience attending the games in June. The 2015 New Jersey Special Olympics Summer Games took place last month at The College of New Jersey, and I feel fortunate to have been there.

Nearly 2500 athletes from around the state gathered to compete in seven sports: Aquatics, Bocce, Gymnastics, Powerlifting, Softball, Tennis, and Track & Field. Hundreds of coaches and volunteers were there to help the games run smoothly.

The opening ceremonies were really something to behold. A police honor guard led the event as the athletes entered by region, wearing color-coded jerseys representing the part of the state from which they hailed. The honor guard set up a “gauntlet” for the competitors to pass through on their way to lining up on the field. Then each region was introduced and received an escort from their local police officers, boy scouts, and a Rutgers football player.

It was truly amazing watching the excitement on the faces of the participants as they made their entrance after their region was introduced. The athletes took every opportunity to high-five the members of the honor guard as they passed through their ranks. It was difficult to tell who enjoyed this more: the competitors or the officers! Once everyone was assembled, the entire football field was a sea of well-organized color.

Rutgers head football coach Kyle Flood served as the honorary coach of the games. Several excellent speakers took the stage before him; then Flood delivered an inspirational commencement speech. Seeing the Rutgers players walking with each region, and hearing Flood’s emotionally charged and heartwarming words made me proud to be a Rutgers alumni.

While competition took place in many sports, I was there to see my niece and her teammates compete in swimming, so I set anchor at the aquatic center for the following two days. The races were run very efficiently. When one race was finished, the winners were led upstairs for the medal ceremony. As this was happening, the next group of athletes got into the water. My niece Rachel Slaughter won gold in her first race. I went up to watch the medal ceremony, and as I entered the gymnasium, the gold medalist from the previous event was making his way out of the room. He was still dripping wet and shirtless. Upon seeing me and the folks I was walking in with, he struck a pose and exclaimed, “I’m back, Baby!” I gave him a hearty high-five. This was the kind of stoke that all of the competitors –regardless of skill level– shared, and it was contagious.

Rachel waves to her adoring fans.

Rachel receives last-second coaching.

Rachel wins the gold medal!

Rachel competed in three events in two days. She’s a very strong swimmer and ended up taking two golds and a bronze. When we were leaving after her last event, my wife Carolyn overheard someone ask a track and field competitor, “Did you medal?” His response was “No, I came in last. But I did my best.”

Isn’t that what it’s all about?

Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.
—Special Olympics Athlete Oath

Photos ©Ed Ward.