by Esther Haung
Let me win. But if I can’t win, let me be brave in the attempt.” The Special Olympics’ pledge straightforwardly states the attitude of all children and adults with mental or physical disabilities. The organization’s goal is to let mentally handicapped people have the opportunity to prove that they have the same mental and physical capabilities of others, and be accepted and respected by society. As a nonprofit organization founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the first International Special Olympics Games were held at Soldiers’ Field, in Chicago, in 1968. Since then, the International Special Olympics Games (winter and summer) have been held every two years, and millions of children and adults with mental disabilities have participated. The Games include twenty-six ordinary Olympic events, such as tennis and figure skating. The organization hopes that all participants gain courage, self-confidence, physical fitness, and the experience of sharing a joyful moment with their families and friends. Unlike the Olympic Games, which emphasize the result of an athlete’s performance, the Special Olympic Games pay more attention to the process of achieving a goal. The results are not as important to handicapped people compared with overcoming their disabilities. People with mental handicaps require greater effort to acquire new knowledge, or to learn a new physical skill. Therefore, the Special Olympics have organized athletic training programs for people in need. These programs are located all over the world, including Taipei, which is called the Chinese Taipei Special Olympics program. The Chinese Taipei Special Olympics program is located at the Chung-Shan Football Stadium, which is a convenient place for giving physical training and holding activities. The Chinese Taipei team has participated in five of the Special Olympic Games and the athletes accomplished a tough task. Not only did they win medals, they also won honor for the country and overcame their mental handicaps. In order to participate in the Special Olympics, a person must be at least eight years of age and must have a handicap handbook issued by local hospitals. However, these few fortunate athletes are scarce among countless others who do not have the slightest chance to participate in the program. Taiwan’s program needs more support not only from the government, but also from the public. Although the Chinese Taipei Special Olympics program publishes newsletters, sponsors training programs and various activities, the organization’s biggest problem is a lack of volunteers and financial aid, even though it is the only organization officially authorized by the International Special Olympics Committee. Helping out as a volunteer or donating some money would be a great help to the organization. But the most important thing is to encourage handicapped people to overcome their disabilities. What they need most is people’s respect and encouragement. a
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May 2024
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