The Junior Special Olympics, previously referred to as the Special Kids Olympics, is one of the biggest, longest-standing traditions at ISB. “The first year we did a Kids’ Olympics event was in 1997,” said Mr. Macky, one of the founders of the event.
A lot of students are unaware of the initial reasoning behind the creation of the event. Mr. Macky explains “the reason it started is that [he] had volunteered with Special Olympics in college, and he and Mrs. Tananone thought it would be worth trying something similar at ISB, since [they] already had contacts with the orphanages and home for kids with physical issues.”
Junior Special Olympics is a day in where orphaned Thai kids with physical disabilities visit ISB and have a ‘mock’ Olympics amongst themselves. During the event, ISB student volunteers receive the opportunity to interact with the kids and help them be successful throughout the day as they face innumerable challenges.
Initially, the event was more sports-oriented. There were races in the pool for different age groups and ribbons were awarded along with prizes. However, Mr. Macky and Mrs. Tananone “realized after the first year, that having races meant that most kids were sitting in the stands most of the time, just watching. This was not always interesting for them, so the next year [they] changed the format to be what it is now: more games, and more large-group activities.”
The change in planning and activities seems to have been effective, as this will be the 19th year that ISB has a Kid’s Olympics. Another aspect the event, however, was also changed. Officers of the event have decided to change the name to Junior Special Olympics instead of its original name. Their reasoning as stated by Isabel Armitage (11) is that “[they] felt it was a bit insensitive, calling the Thai kids [they] have as ‘special’, especially with the shirt designs, so rather than Special Kids, it’s Junior Special, as that shows that it’s a junior version of the annual Olympics.”
As the tradition progresses, however, there is always room for improvement. Peyton Emery (11), an officer, explains that this year, their goal is “to get more people involved, especially the underclassman.”
Peyton carries on to say, “they think it’s an amazing tradition that would be great to participate in, as it’s a real eye opener. Spending a day with a buddy allows one to see our school and facilities in a whole new way and be more grateful for what they have.” Becky Bradley (12) agrees, as she says “not only is it super fun, but it is very rewarding – helping others, and sharing your generosity is a sure way of feeling happy with yourself.”
All in all, Junior Special Olympics is one of the most gratifying events that ISB hosts, and it is open to any high school student. It is an opportunity you definitely do not want to miss, so make sure to come out this Saturday, November 28!
Carol Z
