Finding Ninee » Sharing our parenting and special needs stories with heart and humor.

On Special Olympics, and Athletes are Athletes

In 1976, I remember watching Nadia Comaneci’s floor routine in the Olympic games. I was transfixed and wanted to be a gymnast. My dad, a huge fan of hers, had called us into the family room to watch. “But watching sports on T.V. is boring,” I whined. Her strength, grace, and beauty changed my mind about that. Transfixed, my only concern was making sure that my younger brothers didn’t see my tears of awe.

I wish I had a similar memory from the 70’s and 80’s about watching the Special Olympics on television. Today, as the mother to a boy who has special needs, I feel a little bit cheated at not having had the opportunity to be swept away by the Special Olympics. They began in 1968, the year that I was born, and today represent 7,000 athletes from more than 177 countries around the world.

Why don’t more “typical” families watch the Special Olympics together, the way that we did almost 40 years ago? We should, and my family is watching this year. I watch and know, with all of me, that these athletes are athletes. They train, and run, and swim, and are heroes. I’m in awe of their tenacity, and weep with their losses and cry tears of joy over their wins. They are incredible. They are athletes. They sweat and they bleed and they are dedicated to their sports.

special olympics - athletes are athletes by finding ninee

Several artists have painted amazing murals for the Games this year. They’re part of Toyota’s “Share the Journey” campaign and I support them.

The artists who have painted these murals inspire me and remind me that athletes are athletes, no matter their limitations.

Oh my gosh, you have to watch these. Seriously.

Building on LA’s history of outdoor art, Toyota partnered with the Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles to produce murals inspired by the spirit of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games. The murals have been completed in advance with the intent that they will remain in place as a cultural legacy commemorating the Games in the city of Los Angeles. 

“The Greatest” features a large scale portrait of Muhammad Ali. Combining lettering and calligraphy from multiple cultural traditions, Cryptik showcases his signature style to create the mural background. The lower half of Muhammad Ali’s portrait shows plaques featuring Special Olympics athletes. Each plaque includes an  image and an inspirational quote from the athlete. 

The World Stage Legacy mural was created by David Flores as a celebration of the history of the Coliseum, the spirit of the Special Olympics, and of Los Angeles. He said “It’s a tribute to athletes. It’s a tribute to humanity, really.” Yes, yes it is. 

The theme of inclusiveness embraces diversity, and the individuals depicted in the mural personify it.

#ShareTheJourney

Note: This post has been sponsored by SheSpeaks/Toyota but only because I believe and I wanted to do it. I usually say no thanks to sponsored posts. This particular one was near and dear to me, and all opinions are my own. 

I’m linking this post up with Ten Things of Thankful because I’m thankful that athletes with special needs have the Special Olympics. That I am able to watch them. To share the joy.

 


by Kristi Campbell

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  • Dana - For me it was Mary Lou Retton. I was enthralled – and to see a small little girl have so much strength to win a gold medal? Everyone should be able to see someone they can relate to participate in the Olympics.

    These videos are awesome. There are so many talented people out there artists and athletes, special needs or not. Thanks for sharing this, Kristi!July 27, 2015 – 8:36 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I agree, Dana. Watching athletes is so incredibly inspiring and motivating. I always want to work out after seeing such talent!July 27, 2015 – 7:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - I vividly remember watching Nadia Comaneci’s floor routine – and then of course I immediately needed the record album of the song she used. I played it over and over again. 🙂


    July 27, 2015 – 11:48 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Elizabeth – I can’t believe you linked this video! I was trying to find that song too because I remembered it being amazing and was likely part of why I was hiding tears from my brothers. I was thinking it was Fur Elise so thank you!! Also when I played it, Tucker asked why I was listening to a sad song. Love it so much!July 27, 2015 – 7:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - As the mother of a Special Olympian – I love this post! Thanks Kristi!July 27, 2015 – 1:04 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - I think I saw my first special olympians when I was a spectator at the NYC Marathon. My father had run it that day and then later that evening, I was out to dinner on 1st Avenue sitting at a window. The marathon had been over for hours, but running, wheeling, walking down 1st Avenue were the marathon participants with physical disabilties and I was humbled watching them finish this incredible feat when it was almost dark outside. I almost felt ashamed eating my dinner, but I was also inspired watching these true heroes of the marathon.July 27, 2015 – 2:52 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Wow what a powerful memory, Emily! I wish I’d have been able to see that.July 27, 2015 – 7:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Kimberly - If they put their heart blood sweat and tears into it, they’re an athlete. I commend them for their discipline. They’d kick my ass at any sport — any day. Love this.July 27, 2015 – 11:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Rabia @TheLiebers - I don’t think we’ve ever watched the Special Olympics in our house, but you’re right, we should!July 28, 2015 – 2:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I may need to do that sponsored posts disclosure, because I feel the same way. I say “no thanks” unless it’s really something special.
    This is.
    My good friend has participated in the Special Olympics for most of her life. It’s very inspiring.July 28, 2015 – 5:58 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Tamara,
      Most of them are just not worth it to me. But this was important, and relevant, and full of goodness. Thanks, you.July 28, 2015 – 7:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandra - Yeah, I agree it’s a good sponsored post to write for. A few years ago when I was married to my first husband who was a paratrooper in the Canadian military, one of the guys’ parachute didn’t open and he thundered down. He was a paraplegic, and I knew that he had left the military to live closer to his family for support. Then a couple of years later I was watching the Special Olympics, and there he was, one of the rowers on the Canadian Men’s Team. I did sit there in awe and wonder, and couldn’t have been more proud to say I knew this person. And yeah, Nadia Comaneci, the reason I became a gymnast. Sadly, as my Olympic career came to a halt when I figured out that being in the gym 8 hours a day was cutting into my time chasing the boys. I just have to tell you, I love how you insert your little cartoons. It makes me smile. You make me smile.July 31, 2015 – 2:43 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG Sandra, what an amazing story to have then seen him in the Olympics!!! And really? Nadia was the reason you became a gymnast? Gah. She’s amazing. And thank you so much for liking my cartoons. 🙂July 31, 2015 – 10:29 pmReplyCancel

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