ST. ALBANS, Vt. (WCAX) – Proudly representing their delegations from all over Vermont, athletes competed all day in the Fall Special Olympics hosted at the Collins Perley Sports & Fitness Center.
Events included soccer, track & field and softball at a different location.
Special Olympics allows those with intellectual and developmental disabilities to train and compete in sports.
They gain more than just medals, according to Kelsey Conway, VP of Advancement for Special Olympics Vermont.
“The social piece is really important and is almost as important as winning a medal in training and you know showing up and giving your best,” Conway said.
All the competitors we talked to said it didn’t even matter what their result was, they were just happy to see their friends and come together to compete.
Karl Dooling, a soccer goalie from Bennington County said that he loves reconnecting with other competitors at these annual events.
“That’s the only thing that really matters to me is seeing my old faces and some new faces,” he said.
Dooling has dreams of being on Team USA one day.
“Just being in the environment and just being around everybody seeing everyone doing healthy athletes you know it just shows that I’m here and I’m representing my delegation and not just my delegation but my team,” Dooling said.
Athletes also could get health screened through the “Healthy Athletes” booths inside the fitness center. There they could learn about their hygiene, dental health and vitals.
Tristan Geoffrey used to compete in the games, but now helps out as a coach. He says his favorite part is helping out his team and keeping them calm.
“Mostly helping them to understand how to be the very best they can be but I help them with different stuff like controlling their breathing and relaxing,” Geoffrey said.
Joshua Beaupre is back this year as a spectator after competing in track a few years ago.
“It’s amazing to be back and watching my friends compete it’s awesome,” Beaupre said.
Event organizers say that with everything going on in the world, being here can change your outlook on life. It can open up your eyes, according to Conway.
“It’s so much fun to spend some time and gain some perspective on life by spending time with our athletes,” Conway said.
