There are more than 3 million disabled people living in Los Angeles County between the ages of 5-75, according to the U.S. Census Report. Unfortunately, often times their physical interactions with college students are limited. Students at LMU have been working on changing that since 1977. On Saturday, April 26, LMU will host Special Games, a student-run, nonprofit program that brings mentally and physically challenged people to the campus for three days of games, friendship and personal growth. You are invited to attend and cover this unique event.
LMU is one of the first to hold an event like Special Games. Special Games, unlike Special Olympics includes physically challenged as well as those mentally challenged. Students and staff volunteers serve as coaches and are matched with an athlete. Athletes, all of whom are either mentally or physically disabled, come from various situations and live in communities or with their families. They come to LMU to spend the day with students, dancing to popular music, playing different carnival-style games and having meaningful conversations with their coaches.
“Many of the athletes come from regional centers, so they want to get out of the house and experience interaction with students and feel accepted. They want to be like everyone else and act independently,” said Vera Kwan, a senior at LMU and director of Special Games.
Special Games draws more than 1,000 participants and has become one of the largest annual celebrations on LMU’s campus. The passion and enthusiasm of those involved is what keeps the program strong. “The athletes look forward to it every year as well as the students,” said Kwan.
Students at LMU founded Special Games, changing the Special Olympics format to include those with physical disabilities. Other colleges have followed the LMU model, in which every athlete is considered a winner and all receive medals for their participation. This emphasis on individual achievement in a noncompetitive environment proves to be an enjoyable experience for the athletes and their coaches alike. There will be strong visuals, and participants, coaches and students will be available for media interviews.
