By Hanna Singh
The Ruston community came together last Friday morning to provide a great opportunity for young athletes. The Spring 2024 Special Olympics was hosted at the Louisiana Tech Jim Mize Track for special athletes to compete in track and field events.
The Special Olympics is an international organization providing sport and game competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities and other related disabilities. This Special Olympics competition was specifically track and field, with opportunities for athletes to compete in running and throwing events.
Older athletes prepared prior to the event by practicing with their Adaptive Physical Education teachers and then participated in running and throwing events the day of. Younger athletes prepared for their future participation by doing motor development stations created and run by Tech kinesiology students. Some of these included an obstacle course and a parachute tent. The activities gave them the opportunity to get a hands-on experience with physical activity at a young age.
Many sponsors and volunteers contributed to the success of the event, providing meals, tents and volunteer support. McDonalds and Ruston Parks and Recreation teamed up to sponsor a meal for all athletes, teachers and volunteers. The event also received the use of tents from Origin Bank, Century Next Bank, Louisiana National Bank, Lincoln Parish Sherriff’s Office and Louisiana Tech Athletics.
Louisiana Tech instructor of kinesiology Lacey Deal led as the Event Coordinator for the Special Olympics. Under her guidance, many volunteer students from Tech kinesiology came out to run the activity stations and help with day-of setup. This being her eighth year coordinating the event, Deal has developed a strong passion for providing opportunities for special athletes in the community.
“I have been working with the special needs populations for going on 20 years,” Deal said. “I have seen how the lack of opportunities to engage in exercise and sport activities can affect a developing child.”
She explained how by partnering with local community groups, her team can provide two events each school year for the school-aged special athletes. They will begin preparing for their Fall Field Day event over the summer. Deal believes that encouraging her students to get involved in this program is a great way to serve others.
“I can stand in front of a classroom and lecture to my students but placing them in a real world setting that provides them the chance to serve and learn at the same time is a bonus,” Deal said. “Good grades on a test are important, but learning to be a person with a serving heart is more important.”
Having the opportunity to participate in these sporting events gives special athletes a chance to feel supported by their community. They can build up their confidence while developing physically and mentally through getting active.
Anyone who would like to volunteer to help with special athletic events can contact Lacey Deal at ldeal@latech.edu for more information.
