What makes the Special Olympics genuinely unique is the spirit and the sincere love for the game compared to the fame and money that most Olympians compete for. The Special Olympics offers everyone the chance to succeed and be a part of something that is greater than him or herself. Through the Special Olympics, many people have discovered that they can be anything that they want to be and that they are accepted.

The Special Olympics provides more than 30,000 competition events in 30 different sports each year. Like 3.1 M other people with disabilities worldwide, senior Hildegard Bluehair benefits greatly from this growing program.

Bluehair plays softball, basketball, bowling, volleyball, track and field and soccer through the Special Olympics. She travels to places such as Huron and Mitchell to compete. Many activities, however, take place here in Sioux Falls.

“Special Olympics keeps me going. My favorite part is winning. I like to win medals.” Bluehair said.

Like many other students, Bluehair fist decided to sign up for the Special Olympics because she had friends participating.

“I have met many new friends from Watertown, Mitchell, the Black Hills and Aberdeen,” Bluehair said.

Bluehair is motivated to partake in the Special Olympics by her mother, friends and teachers.

“The Special Olympics has changed Hilde’s life because it has made her more independent and increased her self confidence. She has also made new friends and she has discovered that she can do more things,” Sonya Herbert, special ed. dept said.

Through the Special Olympics, disabled teenagers and adults have realized that they have potential and that they can succeed if given the opportunity.