Through Daniel’s Lens: A Very Special League

Chatham-Kent Participants Jason & Cindy Mallette pose as Special Olympics caps off another great year Photo: Daniel Swan

What more can one say about Special Olympics. It is an amazing league that allows people from all walks of life to play their favourite sports and have fun doing it. Their creed is ‘Let Me Win, But If I Cannot Win Let Me Be Brave In The Attempt’ The non-profit organization was started in the United States by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968 as an outlet for individuals with disabilities to play their favourite sports in an environment where they can feel welcome and not be judged during a time when the even the talk of a disability was a taboo subject.

That has changed over the years with more awareness and other non profit initiatives such as Bell’s Let’s Talk campaign. The organization today has a presence in over 170 countries worldwide. The league is one that lives by the rule of fun and fellowship. In the 10+ years I have attended, Chatham-Kent has been represented in tournaments in Windsor, Stratford, Orangeville and London and have brought home the gold at least 3 times. As the season draws to a close next week, this Saturday the Olympians are on their way to the Rose City to participate in a tournament and I wish them the best of luck in their game.

Daniel Swan is a freelance photographer from Chatham Ontario
you can find out more about Daniel’s photography by visiting:
http://www.facebook.com/photosbydanielswan