Amazing Athletes.People from all over the world are heading to Anchorage, Alaska, for the 2001 Special Olympics Special Olympics International sports program for people with intellectual disability. It provides year-round training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type summer and winter sports for participants. World Winter Games
On a cloudy and cold afternoon in January, Alicia Zeitz and Nicholas Zmuda, two Special Olympics figure skaters, lit up the famous ice-skating rink at Rockefeller Center Rockefeller Center, complex of buildings in central Manhattan, New York City, between 48th and 51st streets and Fifth Ave. and the Ave. of the Americas (Sixth Ave.). The project was sponsored by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. in New York City New York City: see New York, city. New York City City (pop., 2000: 8,008,278), southeastern New York, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The largest city in the U.S. . But Alicia and Nicholas did more than just demonstrate their skill and grace on the ice. They helped officially announce that the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games will be held in Anchorage, Alaska, March 4-11. "I want other kids to get out there and see what it's all about," says Nicholas. The Winter Games will be the world's largest organized sports competition for children and adults with mental retardation mental retardation, below average level of intellectual functioning, usually defined by an IQ of below 70 to 75, combined with limitations in the skills necessary for daily living. . It also will be the biggest sporting event ever held in Alaska. More than 2,000 athletes from approximately 80 countries will compete in alpine skiing Alpine skiing Class of competitive ski events consisting of speed events (the downhill and the supergiant slalom) and technical events (the slalom and giant slalom). , cross-country skiing cross-country skiing Skiing in open country over rolling, hilly terrain. It originated in Scandinavia as a means of travel as well as recreation. The skies used are longer, narrower, and lighter than those used in Alpine skiing, and bindings allow more heel movement. , snowshoeing snow·shoe n. A racket-shaped frame containing interlaced strips, as of leather, that can be attached to the foot to facilitate walking on deep snow. intr.v. , snowboarding, speed skating, figure skating, and floor hockey. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend, including athletes, coaches, and spectators from around the globe. Breaking Down Barriers As every Special Olympics athlete knows, the Games are about more than just competition. "They give us a chance to show people that we can do what normal kids can de," says Alicia. Since the first Special Olympics was held in Chicago in 1968, the Games have helped change public attitudes about people with mental retardation. "We've broken down a lot of barriers," says Timothy Shriver shrive v. shrove or shrived, shriv·en or shrived, shriv·ing, shrives v.tr. 1. To hear the confession of and give absolution to (a penitent). 2. , president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of the Special Olympics. The determination and bravery of Special Olympics athletes show the world that everyone, regardless of disability, can do great things. "I always remind people that one person really can make an extraordinary difference," says Shriver. T.J. Helzer, a 15-year-old downhill skier, never thought he could learn to ski. "But I worked really hard," he says. "I knew I could do this if I just tried." His hard work paid off in a big way. At a Special Olympics competition last year, T.J. won two gold medals and two bronze medals. "I owe it all to my coaches and the people who supported me," he says. For 11-year-old Ernest Barker, being a Special Olympics figure skater has given him the chance to make new friends, and find a fin way to exercise, too. Like most performers and athletes, he loves being in the spotlight. "I love to perform," he says. "I like it when people clap for me." Reaching Out To help break down barriers even more, the Special Olympics sponsors programs that encourage people to reach out to those with mental retardation. For the first time, the Special Olympics is sponsoring a forum called the 2001 Global Youth Summit. During the Games, middle- and high school students will pair up with Special Olympics athletes. The students will write reports about their experiences, which will be published on the 2001 World Games Web site: www.2001worldgames.org. The students will also hold panel discussions about the issues facing individuals with mental retardation. "These kids will really have a chance to have their voices heard," says Shriver. Many schools in Alaska are hosting a Special Olympics team from another country. Students and teachers will show the athletes around Anchorage, and serve as the athletes' personal cheering section. Tam Agosti-Ginsler, a teacher at Central Middle School of Science Central Middle School of Science is a middle school located in Anchorage, Alaska, belonging to the Anchorage School District. It places a special focus on science in its curriculum. It consists of near 700 students [1], and services the downtown and Ship Creek areas. in Anchorage, says the excitement about the Special Olympics is contagious. "The Special Olympics teaches kids to accept diversity and expand the borders of their minds," she says. "I want our students to walk away with that spirit--that all people, no matter what their ability, can reach their fullest potential." Your Turn Think About It 1. What are some ways in which people can help erase stereotypes about people with mental retardation? |
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