Olympians are praised for their exceptional performance in their particular area(s) of focus. The public will cry out their names in celebration and applaud their triumphs. However, these events are exclusive and only a select few people will ever experience. It is especially difficult for individuals with developmental disabilities to experience these events.
One organization has been able to give Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students the opportunity to not only have fun at their very own Olympics, but also to develop long-lasting relationships.
Best Buddies International is a nonprofit organization focused on creating a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through this program, mentally handicapped individuals across the nation are given the opportunity to grow and prosper in an accepting and nurturing community.
“[I just hope that] the kids have fun, the kids enjoy it,” Espana said. “It’s … a coming together of different abilities and kids have a great time.”
Here at CCHS, Best Buddies is led by ESE teachers Nicole Hicks and Nicole Garcia. Through the club, non-disabled students are matched with a buddy who has a developmental disability or disabilities so that they can forge a one-on-one friendship.
This year’s Special Olympics took place on Wednesday, December 12, 2018. Buddies and non-ESE students took to the football field in order to participate in several track and field events including the 100-meter dash, the 50-meter dash, the 25-meter walk, the 25-meter assisted walk and the 25-meter wheelchair race. Other sporting events offered were the softball throw, tennis ball throw and hula hoop toss.
Among the several students and teachers dressed in “Team Cooper” shirts, there were also several other schools who participated in the event. White tarp tents were set up with posters that were decorated and had the names of the following schools:
- Coconut Palm Elementary School
- Tequesta Middle School
- Manatee Bay Elementary School
- Silver Trail Middle School
- Cypress Bay High School
- West Broward High School
- Pembroke Lakes Elementary School
- Falcon Cove Middle School
- Silver Shores Elementary School
- Everglades High School
- Whispering Pines Center
The planning of the CCHS Special Olympics can be attributed to the work of ESE teacher Anita Espana and the several other ESE teachers who worked with her.
“Ms. Espana does everything to make this process run flawlessly,” Hicks said. “Without her, we wouldn’t do it and we would not be such a success. She is the head of Team Cooper and the Special Olympics event.”
At the heart of this event, all those involved aim for the students to have a good time and participate in the various activities.
“[I just hope that] the kids have fun, the kids enjoy it,” Espana said. “It’s … a coming together of different abilities and kids have a great time.”
Best Buddies and the Special Olympics cultivated a sense of community among students. Whether they be an ESE student, a non-disabled student or even alumni, this is an event that will forever be a part of their lives.
Community is something which is not easily obtained, yet, through the Best Buddies Special Olympics, students are able to enjoy themselves while also coming together with an entire group of like-minded people.
“I love this club so much and all of the kids in it,” CCHS alumna Ashley Melgar said. “They’ve impacted me and my career choices so much and what I plan on doing with my life so much…coming back to every event is a must.”
Melgar is currently working toward getting a masters in business administration (MBA) so that she can start her own business in order to help employ people with intellectual disabilities. Other students, like senior Bryce Weinsier, have been attending the Special Olympics for years.
“I always enjoy doing special community service events and helping out,” Weinsier said. “I initially got involved because of Mrs. Hicks … and she just got me involved and made me a better person … [by] doing the right thing with other students … [and realizing] it’s not always about yourself.”
Photo by Carly Cuoco
