Founded officially in 1972, Special Olympics Oregon has worked with athletes who experience developmental disabilities for over fifty years to ensure every athlete with a special gift is seen and given the opportunity to showcase their talents.
Chief Program and Operations Officer Mark Hanken has worked with Special Olympics Oregon for twenty-six years and has seen at the forefront just how much of a difference sports can make on the long-term health of these children and adults. “Special Olympics athletes are healthier, graduate at a higher rate, and are more likely to secure a job than their peers who do not participate in Special Olympics,” Hanken stated.
According to the scientific journal BMC Medicine, adolescents with intellectual disabilities have a 1.8% higher chance of developing obesity, diabetes, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. Pairing this with a lack of physical activity can have severe effects down the road, leading to unhealthy habits that are hard to break.
At the end of the day, the athletes competing in the Special Olympics in Oregon are no different from any other. Special Olympics Oregon runs year-round, providing eight weeks of training before the competition.
“Athletes in Special Olympics have opportunities to work hard, be held accountable, and be recognized for their efforts and achievements,” uttered Hanken. “We want to provide as many quality, meaningful experiences to as many Oregonians as possible while in a sustainable way.”
Offering fourteen Olympic-style sports in three different seasons, Special Olympics Oregon makes it a mission to provide an option for every athlete who joins the organization. “At its mission core, Special Olympics Oregon provides year-round sports training and competition opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in a variety of Olympic-type sports,” voiced Hanken.
Hanken ended things off by sharing a beautiful story of perseverance at a 200-meter swimming competition in Iowa for the USA Games.
The night before the big event, a thunderstorm ravaged through Iowa, exactly where they were staying. Naturally, this left one of their athletes overwhelmed and uncomfortable and wanting to head home. Hanken and the rest of the team were able to calm him down enough to stay and compete in the event. The next morning, the same athlete who was facing the struggles of the past night went out and took gold.
Stories like these shared by Hanken show just how transformative sports can be for adolescents and adults alike. The will to compete and never give up is inside each and every athlete, no matter the challenge.
Where does Wilsonville come into the picture? Wilsonville High School has been a proud supporter of Special Olympics Oregon, hosting the annual unified basketball tournament every March. Schools from all over the state flock to Wilsonville for one of the most important events of the year, as it always provides a great turnout.
In what ways can you get involved with Special Olympics Oregon? The easiest is to spread the word; the more attention brought to the organization, the more resources they can provide. If you are looking to get even more involved, Special Olympics Oregon provides opportunities to be a coach, an event volunteer, or a donor. All are available on their website at https://soor.org/.