College students lead Special Olympics clinic

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
March 11, 2004

Special Olympics Iowa and the NAIA Women's National Basketball Tournament teamed up for the annual clinic for special athletes on March 9 at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City. This is the fourth year that the event has taken place before the NAIA tournament.

"The first image that I thought of from Scripture was the one where Jesus says, 'I have come to light a fire on the earth,'" said Father Dennis Meinen. "This is what I think about what kids and athletes lighting the fire. They have so much enthusiasm. I think the athletes help them feel good about themselves and rejoice in their achievements."

About 10 to 12 teams, including athletes and coaches, from across the United States helped teach the Special Olympics Iowa athletes different basketball skills such as shooting, dribbling and passing. All of the Special Olympics athletes were able to participate including those in wheelchairs. At the end of the clinic, the whole group participated in relay races.

"They come from all over the country - Maine to California," said Charles Reed about the NAIA players. "If they come here and have a good time, they might take that back to where they are from and help the Special Olympics out in that state. It can be beneficial not just here in Iowa but all over the country."

This year there were about 130 Special Olympics Iowa athletes that traveled to Sioux City to participate in the clinic. Reed commented that this is the largest group that they have ever had take part in the event.

"We just have fun," said Reed, director of marketing for Special Olympics Iowa. "We only have two baskets, 20 basketballs and so much space, so you can't get too involved with some things. I try to tell the NAIA players, 'you can do some different things here, you can pass it, you can dribble it, you can do some drills.'"

The Diocese of Sioux City sponsors the clinic for Special Olympics Iowa. Reed added that they make a big difference by sponsoring the event and helping with publicity.

Father Meinen noted that having the diocese as one of the sponsors shows the call to help people that may not have as many gifts or talents as others do. "When I look at the athletes, they are so patient with the students and they are lifted up, too," said Father Meinen.

In addition to offering this free clinic, the NAIA gave all the participating Special Olympics Iowa athletes and coaches vouchers to attend a game during the tournament.

"I think it is a great opportunity for our school to get out and help with the younger kids," said Katy Hinkle, freshman at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Ind. "It makes their day for us to come out and be a part of this. Something as simple as showing them how to dribble or pass a ball, you can see the smiles on their faces. It says a lot about the teams that are out here."

Hinkle noted that her school had participated in the clinic last year and would like to continue to help in the future.

Another college athlete, Emily Overgaard, from Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D., explained that it means a lot to help other people and to teach them what she learned when she was younger.

"It represents that we understand that there are things that we can do to make a difference," said Beth Watson, a sophomore at Morningside College in Sioux City, about being able to help with the clinic. "If we have those capabilities, it is our responsibility to follow through on them. It is something that we want to do because we understand the position that we are in and that there are people that look up to us. If we were to do nothing with that position, it would be a tragedy in itself."

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

"I like the motto, 'Let me win, for Special Olympics, but if I can't win, let me be brave,'" said Father Meinen. "I think they are helping them to feel brave because there is no one that is really a recluse here. They get them all involved."

The organization was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver and serves more than one million athletes around the world. Special Olympics started in Iowa in 1969 and in 35 years has grown from 100 athletes to about 12,000 athletes.

"I think it is important that we do things for our athletes all over the state," said Reed. "For the NAIA players, I think it is important that they see how fortunate they are to have an event like this where they can participate and see people who are maybe a little less fortunate."