I am conflicted about the SO program-on one hand, it is nice to give these kids something to do that results in some recognition. On the other hand, is it really correct to call a retarded child an athlete? Sometimes, these competitions seem like parodies.
What is your take? My donation is riding on this.
Does it matter? If they are having fun that’s all that is important.
It doesn’t matter. If you’re an athlete that feels belittled by a mentally handicapped person getting a similar label to you then I suggest you need a good cock/boob-punching.
Special olympic athletes do train and prepare. I don’t see why they are any less athletic than, say, high school athletes.
Look what happened to Cartman.
On the most basic level, I can’t think of any definition of athlete that would exclude someone who is retarded or has a similar handicap. I’m sure that most of them are not on the same level as their athletic peers, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t athletes or that the endeavor is pointless or “feelGood libralism gone wild” (give me a break).
Whether it’s worth your donation is a separate question. But I don’t think this is a good reason not to donate to the group.
Before we go too far afield here, we need to remember there are two distinct, separate programs that are often confused.
The Special Olympics is a program that originated in the US and does not have international competition. Each year athletes with developmental problems compete with one another. (Usually at Army bases, the SO is the semi-official charity of the US Army.) While the top performers are very, very good, everyone gets a medal and a hug. At it’s lowest level, it is little more than a field day.
The Para Olympics is an international program. After every Olympic games, the Paras take over for competitions between athletes with similar disabilities. (As a result there are several 100M prizes, some for people with this problem, another for people with another problem.) The competitors are selected by their national Para committees and are in general quite elite.
Yeah, I find myself having trouble getting into the special olympics. The Olympics are an elitist venture. This doesn’t mean I think the SO shouldn’t occur, just that I can’t get into it.
In my opinion, the Special Olympics is another “class” just like boxing, baseball or other sports have classes to make sure the playing field is semi-level. I see nothing wrong with it. They train hard, excel in their class, and feel like they’re part of the rest of society for a little while. I think it’s great.
Some SO athletes are very impressive. Some kid who can’t talk or write, but runs like a raped ape. Too often people see the lower-level competitors only. The top guys in each state are really something.
It was held in Ireland in 2003 and there are elements of it I find off-putting but overall it is of benefit IMHO. It raises awareness of the disabled in wider communities, spurring donations and support from those who don’t have a disabled member of the family. It destigmatises the disabilities too. The participants involved have fun. Their families get to meet other families in similiar situations.
Alot of friends from college volunteered for it and were rewarded with a short private concert by U2 for their troubles!
I volunteered way back when I was young and stupid in the USAF in 1986. I was put in charge of a kid who had nothing going for him. Basically a walking vegetable. Every event was nothing but confusion for the poor little guy.
There are all kinds and levels of disability, and some few of these kids looked pretty ‘normal’ to me, especially compared to the kid I got. There was one who was athletic and aware and quick, so he basically won everything he was in (though everybody ‘wins’).
Then you had the kids like mine who were basically like racing a frog. No way to get it through to them that they go ‘that way’ as fast as they can and cross the line so you just clap and cheer when they slowly turn in circles at the starting line and wander off.
Whether he got anything out of it, I could never say. The kids with some kind of lights on in their heads seemed to have a good time.
I learned not to volunteer for things like this anymore. The tragedy of this kid just ripped my heart out.
ralph124c, are you an athlete?
There is nothing like training your ass off and competing against your peers in a physical contest. In brings out the best in all categories of people. I wish there were more outlets like this, not less. Races and triathlons are common enough, but your average adult can’t just sign up to compete in a track meet or an organized team sport like soccer that often. It is awesome that we can motivate the mentally handicapped like this. Even more, I’d like to see an “Average Working People’s Olympics” set up in cities across the US in addition to the Special Olympics.
Maybe you see the name as a problem? I think some people are upset that they call what is little more than a track meet for retards ‘Olympics’. I for one could care less. I think it would be pretty spiteful to rub it in their faces that they aren’t exactly Olympians.
Yep it is bad. Only liberals are involved in taking care of the Special Olympians. If a conservative has a kid with problems he gives him to the liberal down the street. Feeling compassion for the disadvantaged is sooooo liberal.
I suspect Ralph that you will find an occasional conservative involved.
Why do you even care? I mean, this affects you in no way what so ever, gets kids out and exercising, promotes health and competition, and yet you feel offended enough to insult not only the athletes, but anyone to the left of you as well.
Step away from the internet. Go outside and get some fresh air.
This is my new favourite expression, and I intend to use it often.
I got it from Car and Driver. I love their writing.
Least Original User Name Ever, I don’t watch SouthPark but I gots to ask…did he end up winning?? I’m on pins and needles here man! 
As for the OP I think the SO is a worthy cause fwiw…it’s not ‘libralism gone Wild?’ at all. I think the PO is ALSO worthy of support.
Sure…why not? What is your definition of ‘athlete’ exactly? Mine is anyone who participates in an athletic competition…regardless of their skill level.
They don’t seem like that to me. The real question though is do the people participating in them get any fun or enjoyment out of them? I’ve been to 2 and I think the answer is…definitely.
Well, you’ll do as you will obviously. My take is that this is one of the many things I personally donate to. Granted, I have a niece who has just such a handicap and so I may have a bit different of a perspective on it.
-XT
No, hes fat and slow. The special kids beat him easily. The point of it was that he didn’t think the retarded kids could really compete and that he’d beat them without any trouble, even being totally out of shape.