Cheers echoed through the bowling alley as pins clattered and high fives flew – but this just wasn’t any game. It was a celebration of friendship, inclusion, and the power of showing up. Members of the Best Buddies Club at James Campbell High School signed up to be partners with Student-Athletes to participate in Bowling for Special Olympics. The event is dedicated to building connections and supporting students with intellectual and developmental disabilities through activities like sports! For many participants, it wasn’t about the score or who came in first – but the memories and friendships made.
What is Best Buddies?
Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization that focuses on creating opportunities for one-on-one friendships and inclusiveness for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Here at James Campbell High School, General ed students get paired with students with an IDD student to build meaningful relationships and promote inclusion. The main mission of the club is To establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-on-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through these values, students all over James Campbell High School are shaping a future where everyone feels seen, valued, and Included.
Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an organization that provides year-round sports for children & adults with intellectual disabilities. It promotes physical fitness, courage, and friendship by offering athletes a chance to compete in Olympic-Style events. Special Olympics foresters for inclusion and empowerment, helping individuals with IDD build confidence, skills, and bonds of a lifetime.
Having the Special Olympics season starting up, it gave members a chance to put their club’s mission into action. Whether it was cheering each other on or high-fiving after strikes, every student played a role in creating a welcoming environment. The event brought together students of all backgrounds and abilities to be included in something greater than they think – reinforcing that in life – anyone is capable of anything.
IDD Bowler Alyssa said, “Being in Special Olympics makes me feel included and like a team player.” This sense of belonging is exactly what James Campbell High School strives for – an environment where every student, no matter their ability, feels part of a team and supported by their peers. By getting to experience the highs and lows of working with a team, IDD students learn essential life skills such as collaboration, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
Physical Benefits
“Our IDD students face a higher obesity rate versus their peers. Limited physical activity programs contribute to their weight gains. Majority of our special needs students do not audit classes such as PE, weight training or team sports to stay active,” said Best Buddy advisor, Michael Bearis. Special Olympics is not only important for inclusion but for the physical well being of IDD athletes.
According to Special Olympics – North Carolina “Individuals with Down syndrome have higher risks of hypothyroidism” Meaning the body’s energy usage will slow down. The National Library of Medicine mentions that “Previous studies report that adults with intellectual disabilities have high rates about 58–89% of not meeting physical activity recommendations.” Being in Special Olympics helps introduce the opportunity to participate in physical activity but can also teach the importance of how movement and exercise is important to their health. It emphasizes that everyone, regardless of their ability, deserves access to any type of sport/physical activity to take care of their overall wellbeing.
Stigmas
Not only does Special Olympics help IDD athletes benefit in their physical health but it helps break down stigmas that people have on the individuals. General Ed bowler Aiden Apolinario said, “People with disabilities can be athletes and achieve great things. Everyone deserves the chance to shine and be recognized for their strengths. Breaking the stigmas helps people see their abilities instead of their limitations, build confidence, and encourages all people to celebrate their strengths and achievements.
IDD Bowler Dj inspires everyone to “Try something new and try your best. You can have fun and won’t know you’re good at something unless you try.” Being a part of Special Olympics helps individuals build independence within themself and are an inspiration to those who feel afraid to step out their box.Even though bowling is not a year-round sport for Special Olympics, all athletes, no matter their ability, are given the chance to experience teamwork, build friendships, and celebrate their achievements both on and off lanes.
