Liberty Park students compete in Special Olympics

Several Liberty Park Middle School students participated in the recent 2013 Special Olympics of Alabama held at Jack Wood’s stadium in Trussville. 

Before competing, each athlete recited the Special Olympics pledge, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Participating students included Phillip Trawick, Wilson Taylor, Virginia Strong and Andrew Woods. 

Andrew placed second in the tennis ball throw, Virginia placed third in the 50-meter dash, Wilson placed first in the 50-meter dash, and Phillip placed first in the 100-meter dash. 

Liberty Park Middle School Student Government representatives accompanied the athletes and offered help and encouragement. Before the athletes left the school, a mini pep rally send off was held by band members, cheerleaders, majorettes, dance team members, students, teachers and administrators. 

The idea of Special Olympics began in the 1950s and early 1960s, when Eunice Kennedy Shriver saw how unjustly and unfairly people with intellectual disabilities were treated. She also saw that these children with often didn’t even have a place to play. 

Her vision took shape, as she held a summer day camp for young people with intellectual disabilities in her own backyard. The goal was to learn what these children could do in sports and other activities – and not dwell on what they could not do.