Peter Davis knows that the best thing about competing in the Special Olympics isn’t just the medals, but the extras – like making new friends and maturing in one’s confidence and motivation – which are a hundred times much more valuable.
“I’ve been competing in the Special Olympics for about three years now, and although I was kind of – no, correction – really nervous, when I first started, I’ve gained a lot of confidence in myself and my abilities,” Peter says. “And I like that about myself.”
Peter started competing with the encouragement of his parents, but he admits he “was pretty much interested in it anyways.” He saw it as a chance to try something different, and he had a few friends who were participating who had nothing but great things to say about it.
First, Peter tried snowshoeing, which was, surprisingly, a little difficult. “You really have to concentrate,” Peter says with a smile. “And when you have to run, that’s a totally different thing!”
When Peter started going to Westgate Collegiate he began competing in the Track and Field events through the Special Olympics Ontario School Programs. He visited the podium many times during the last Special Olympics Ontario School Championships held in Ottawa, receiving gold in the standing long jump, a silver in the 50 m and a bronze in the 100 m. But that was not the highlight of the games.
“I got to go on a plane!” Peter adds with more than a little bit of enthusiasm. “And it was my first time!”
Peter’s mom, Jenn, looks back on this moment as a valuable part of Peter’s life. “As much as we would have liked to have gone to Ottawa and watch Peter, it was a chance for him to do something on his own and prove his independence. Sometimes as a parent you must step back and let your kids succeed on their own.”
Denita Minoletti, Treasurer/Event Coordinator/Co-Community Coordinator has nothing but praise for the organization. Her daughter, Mariah, is an athlete with Special Olympics Thunder Bay and started participating in 5-pin bowling and floor hockey when she was eleven. She’s now twenty-eight and still taking part in several of the sport programs.
“When Mariah became an athlete and observed the electric atmosphere with the athletes, it made me want to become more involved,” Denita says.
When Denita started volunteering there were only 150 athletes and seven sport programs. They now have over 350 athletes and are continuing to grow: over 100 volunteers make this event happen and all eighteen sports are sanctioned by Special Olympics, Ontario. “We’re continually striving to add new sport programs,” Denita beams, “with the newest one being Pickle Ball.”
“There is nothing more pleasing than to see and feel their excitement at our weekly sport programs, local competitions – which all athletes are encouraged to participate in – and training for advanced games, Denita continues. “When they arrive back from Provincial, National or World Games and you see how much they truly support each other, that is something wonderful that goes beyond words.”
Denita admits that the glow on the athletes faces when they achieve a spot on the podium and receive a medal around their neck, is priceless. For those who had the chance to volunteer or attend the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games held here in Thunder Bay in February 2020, they know exactly what she means when she says, “it’s exhilarating!”
If you’re a parent, grandparent or caregiver of a youth or adult with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics is the organization to be involved in. Through the power of sport, the athletes joyfully discover strengths and abilities they may have never known they had. They also learn new skills and make many new friendships because the sport programs are inclusive of all abilities and they continually advocate for the respect that these people deserve.
“Our athletes continue to inspire people in our community through their bravery, commitment and encouragement,” Denita says with a feeling of accomplishment and pride. “It takes a great team of volunteers and coaches to run our sport programs and social functions year-round. Here in Thunder Bay, we have just that, A GREAT TEAM.”
Angela Mirabelli, a Transitions teacher at St. Ignatius High School, believes Special Olympics gives more to her students than just sports skills and sportsmanship. “It provides students with many opportunities that they may not have on their own, and it promotes a healthy and active lifestyle.”
“My students always love attending the locally run Special Olympics events, which include all the Thunder Bay high schools. The focus is based on sports skills, but it’s a sense of community between the schools that advocates inclusion, respect, and empowers the athletes. It’s amazing when my students go to the events and see their teammates from other sports at the same time.”
It just makes sense then, when one contemplates the overall goal of the Special Olympics to uplift body, mind and soul, that the oath that resounds in every athlete’s heart rings true: Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt!
For more information, check out the Special Olympics Thunder Bay Facebook page.
