Taking Notes: Special Olympics bring inspiration to all who participate and witness
by Vicky Livesay
(Editors Note: Vicky Livesay is the assistant principal at Unicoi County High School)
The athletes stretch their arms and legs, jog in place and take deep breaths. They are warming
up for an important competition. They are focused and ready. You often hear about UCHS sports baseball, football, softball, basketball, tennis, track – but these are not the only athletes at Unicoi County High School. We are also very proud of our special athletes – the ones currently preparing for Special Olympics. They are throwing, running and jumping. They are dreaming of their chance to step on the podium and receive their medal.
In the early 1960s, Eunice Kennedy Shriver became upset over the way she saw people with disabilities being treated. Her vision was a focus on sports these children were capable of participating in without dwelling on what they couldnt do. Her vision became the Special Olympics that we know today. The U.S. Olympic Committee has even given its approval to use the word Olympics as a part of the name.
For the remainder of this article please pick up the April 24, 2012 edition of The Erwin Record.