In February, Special Olympics athletes and volunteers gathered at Frenship High School in Wolfforth as the organization held their annual basketball tournament.
According to the Special Olympics website, the organization is considered the world’s largest non-profit sports organization as it has offices across the nation, including one here in Lubbock.
Offering various sports and activities, the basketball tournament was just one of several events hosted by the organization.
Ashely Pena, executive director of the West Region, said the organization is one of the greatest things a community can offer because it allows kids an opportunity to participate in sports.
With hundreds athletes and 150 volunteers in attendance, Pena spoke of the continued success of these events.
“It’s an awesome thing to see how many volunteers we have every single year,” Pena said. “The athletes are ecstatic when they see the help that shows up, especially when they’re Texas Tech students.”
When it comes to support from the Texas Tech community, Pena said when events take place on campus, stands are filled with fans cheering on those participating in various sports.
Tanner Warmoth, program associate with the Special Olympics, said although he has been involved with the organization for about four months, he doesn’t see himself leaving anytime soon.
“There was no hesitation to apply for this position when it became open,” Warmoth said. “I saw it and knew that I had to go for it.”
With Warmoth’s dedication and Pena’s passion, both wish to see the number of athletes and volunteers increase within these next few years, both stated.
Special Olympics Texas’ website states their vision is to become the premier provider of Special Olympics training and competition in the world – approaching each journey with the intention to improve the quality of life for the athletes.
Physical activities are not the only thing this organization offers, motor activities are available to those who cannot perform movements or follow rules due to physical and/or behavioral limitations, Pena said.
The organization also offers unified sports, bringing athletes without intellectual disabilities to train and compete with those who do have a disability, according to the Special Olympics website.
Overall, the Special Olympics offers something for everyone, Warmoth said.
And while the athletes and volunteers invest a lot of physical work into a single event, Pena said the emotional and spiritual gratification makes it all worth it.
“There’s no greater feeling than watching those individuals do something that makes them so happy,” Pena said. “To give them that chance to shine is a beautiful thing.”
For more information, visit the organization’s website at http://www.sotx.org/.
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