"It changed her life"
My Personal Experience with the Special Olympics
My daughter Christine was born in 1963. A beautiful, happy child and seemingly normal in all aspects. At about five years old, she started to show some small signs of having a learning disability. As a part of the California educational system, she was enrolled in a program using the Gestalt therapy technique of “Group Play Acting”. The results of this treatment were immediately recognized by her improved ability to focus and concentrate. Unfortunately this program was discontinued by the new Governor of California, Ronald Reagan in 1968.
The cost of privately obtaining this type of therapy was well beyond a working mans income. Charitable organizations provided a variety of assistance over the years, but Christine’s intellectual development stalled. She retained her childlike characteristics and always pleasant demeanor. Working with similarly handicapped adults was something that brought her great pleasure.
When she became a part of the Oregon state work and housing program for the developmentally disabled, she was introduced to the Special Olympics. This changed her life. Training for her events instilled a feeling of pride that I had not seen before. A sense of belonging developed, formed from all of the social interaction with fellow competitors. I was so proud of her when she crossed the finish line, that I ran to the track, hugging her until she said to me, “dad, I didn’t win”.
Please join the movement to continue governmental support for the Special Olympics. Although the proposed government cancellation of federal funding for the program was overruled for now, it should be noted that Secretary of Education, Betsy Devos has been defending the cuts since her appointment.
State government cuts changed Chistine’s life 50 years ago. Don’t let this happen again by allowing the Federal government funding cuts to the Special Olympics.
Terrell Kaucher
