Most of us love and adore watching the Olympics. From learning more about the athletes to bracing ourselves for who will win the different events, we often let another set of Olympics slip past us. The Special Olympics offers the opportunity for people to come together and support those with special needs. Disabilities are not a setback, and by supporting the Special Olympics, we take part in championing these athletes.
The Special Olympics is a global sports movement with the goal to end discrimination against people with disabilities. They support over 5 million athletes, unified partners, coaches, and volunteers with 32 Olympic-type sports. These events include basketball, gymnastics, skiing, powerlifting, and so much more. In celebrating all the different Special Olympic Athletes, here are some book recommendations for your next read!
More Alike Than Different: My Life With Down Syndrome by David Egan
A young man with Down Syndrome and a dream to reach for more, David Egan tells his story about how he overcame obstacles to become a powerful advocate for all people with disabilities. With the help of a loving family and friends, Egan began his journey with swimming and baseball, where he earned places on his neighborhood teams. Egan earned positions at prestigious companies and a distinguished fellowship on Capitol Hill. From there, he played a powerful global advocacy role with the Special Olympics. Egan’s powerful testimony encourages others to dream big. His story brings us together on our shared humanity despite our differences and our diagnoses. Make the most of your life, just like David Egan did.
I am Proud: The Athletes of Special Olympics by Richard Corman
The Special Olympics began its empowering journey when Eunice Kennedy Shriver took issue with the idea that people with mental disabilities are too different to belong, to befriend, or to deserve a good education — or even to have a chance in sports. With her accomplishment of founding the Special Olympics, Shriver opened the door for those with disabilities to be champions themselves. In this novel, Richard Corman shares documentation of how he captured the essence of the Special Olympics from men, women, boys, and girls. Walk through history by flipping through the pages that mark historic events with the Special Olympics.
The Horse and the Dragon: Trials of Friendship by Marcus Mason-Williams
With a unique twist on the Special Olympics, this children’s book by Marcus Mason-Williams empowers young readers to embrace who they are. It follows Richard, Rosemary, and Maranda as their lives are touched by Chester, a special horse, and Wisdom, a magical whistle-breath dragon. When Wisdom gets captured, unlikely friends band together to harness their amazing autistic strengths and overcome life’s challenges. This children’s book teaches kids that autism is not a weakness but inspires us to achieve the impossible. With this kind of encouragement, young readers can shoot for the stars and take part in the Special Olympics!
I Belong: Can I play? By Michael Jacques
Michael Jacques quotes, “Always focus on your abilities and never give up.” In his book I Belong: Can I Play, Michael has an intellectual disability and autism, so when it comes to school, sports, and other activities kids like to do, he simply learns differently. With a desire to be included, Michael comes up with a game plan of his own. This is a great book to read for encouragement and to show that just because something is different, it does not mean that it is impossible. Click the link here to grab your copy today!
The next time you are feeling sad that the Olympics are over — or you want to read inspiring stories — simply remember there is one more Olympic that we shouldn’t forget. To join the movement, check out the Special Olympic website — a wonderful opportunity to support people with disabilities as they show the world what they are made of!
Check out more inspiring stories at our Bookshop bookshelf here!
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