By Cassidy Lavigne, Swimming World College Intern
When the Special Olympics came to Irvine, CA, Soka University of America, a liberal-arts school that competes with the NAIA, took the opportunity to give back to the community and integrate the NAIA’s Champions of Character values. All NAIA Student-athletes are taught to live and compete by the five Champions of Character: Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership.
The mission of Special Olympics Southern California is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Soka’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (S.A.A.C.) organized an all-athlete volunteer opportunity for Soka’s sports teams. As “Fans in the Stands” volunteers, the athletes dedicated their time on the sidelines to cheer on athletes of the Special Olympics.
One of the several sporting events occurring was swimming. Having the opportunity to cheer on other swimmers was a humbling experience that everyone can learn from. Here’s a list of what my teammates and I learned by volunteering at Special Olympics:
Passion
Photo Courtesy: Cassidy Lavigne
At the Special Olympics, all of the athletes had so much passion to just be able to compete, regardless of what they placed or what time they got. I saw so many athletes pause at the wall and smile at us, because of all the people cheering, or when an athlete finished their race and threw their fist in the air after they touched the wall.
“The passion they had for the events they competed, and the determination they demonstrated as they saw their races through until the end reminded me why I fell in love with competitive swimming in the first place.” Soka’s graduating senior Dominic Goshert stated.
“These athletes were willing to give 100% and it showed in the emotions they expressed as they competed. I am extremely grateful that I was given the opportunity to attend this event and see this exemplary display of sportsmanship.”
It’s watching athletes that remind us about the pure joy of swimming and competing, and a good reminder to have fun with your races.
Empowerment
Photo Courtesy: Cassidy Lavigne
These athletes were so happy to have their friends and community cheering for them. Usually when I am at swim meets where I’m not swimming, I feel a little awkward and out of place, but not here. I was honored to be cheering at every turn, or giving high-fives to athletes as they walked by, proudly showing their ribbon to me.
“Being able to give back to the swimming community, that has embraced me throughout my life, and being able to empower other swimmers to be the best that they can be is an incredible opportunity.
“It was truly humbling to cheer on such dedicated, joyous and sportsmanlike athletes at the Special Olympics. Getting to support these incredible athletes is a reminder to us all to take joy in what we do,” team captain, S.A.A.C President, and graduating senior, Taylor Karnilaw commented.
Being part of the athlete and swimming community involves being part of a group that isn’t just about empowering ourselves, but empowering others. We empower our teammates and our competitors, and we empower others within our community to compete, train, and live to be the best athlete they can be.
“The Little Things”
Photo Courtesy: Braxton Keo
When we’re in the middle of our season or hitting a plateau in our training it’s easy to forget how lucky we are to be able to train and compete. Sometimes we would rather be doing other things than be at swim practice or a meet, but really, having a laugh with our teammates, getting through a tough set or bad meet, the little moments of being an athlete really are the ones we remember.
Rising senior Hanna Rossen was moved by the athletes and their overall enthusiasm, “It reminds you of how lucky and privileged we are in life and to take the time to appreciate the little things like cannonballs and finishing a race.”
“Today, our Soka Student-Athletes were able to be a part of something so much bigger than themselves,” said Soka University S.A.A.C. advisor Erica Baldaray.
She added,
“They were given the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the athletes competing in the Regional Games. They got to positively impact and influence these amazing athletes ‘experiences, and most importantly, our Soka Student-Athletes got to come together with our community and be inspired by the Special Olympics athletes’ relentless joy, passion, and love for athletics and life itself while celebrating the spirit and determination that drives every athlete.”
All the athletes, not just the swimmers, were so thrilled just to be there competing, and it was an honor to be cheering them on in the stands with the rest of my team and remind me what it truly means to be an athlete who lives by the Champions of Character. While this volunteer opportunity focused on Servant Leadership, I know we all learned much more.
All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.