66 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 If you are the parent of a child with special needs, how can you ensure your son or daughter has access to those same benefits? How do you identify what sport they can participate in and experience success? Should your child be on a team for kids with special needs or with normally-developing peers? Luckily, in North Texas, there are a lot of options. Special Olympics is of course the largest and arguably the most recognizable organization for special needs athletes worldwide. Founded by Sargent and Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2018. With 4.9 million athletes with intellectual disabilities from 172 countries around the globe, their message of inclusion and celebration of the accomplishments of all individuals has impacted society’s view of the special needs population. Laura Roach’s nephew Jared has participated in Special Olympics basketball locally for over four years. She says, “I love watching him play basketball because the players are so sweet to each other and so supportive regardless of which team they’re on. I also love the fact that it keeps Jared physically active.” Being part of a group and supporting your teammates is especially important for these kids—for all kids really. Honorary drum major Anthony Tatum has really benefited from the support and acceptance of the other members of the Clark High School band. Mom Jennifer says, “Music is his life. He just feels it. He’s unable to read or write, but he can remember all the lyrics to a song.” She was hoping he could find an extracurricular interest at school that involved music, and she can’t say enough about how accommodating the band directors have been and how much his peers let him know he’s one of them. When the marching band performs, you’ll see Anthony at every game standing on the ground right by the other student drum majors on their platforms. Jennifer says, “It’s been an awesome social and learning experience for Anthony.” He rides the bus to the games with the other students, participates in every competition, and has learned there are responsibilities when you’re part of a group. CarolynWattshasseenthatsamesenseofcamaraderiewatching her 14-year-old son Matthew playing Angel League t-ball/softball through the Kiwanis Club in Allen. This organization for kids, ages 5 to 17, pairs each athlete with one or two high school “buddies” with the goal of giving the kids the opportunity to pitch, hit, run and hear the applause of the crowd without keeping score. E M B R A C E ! m'brās/ verb e Embrace! was created to provide information and human interest articles to help families with differently-abled children. Whether your child has ADHD, Autism, Down syndrome or any other special need that qualifies him or her for programs in public schools, we will be researching and covering important, educational and inspiring content that addresses a wide variety of issues. Getting in on the Action Sara and Jacuilyn Maria and Sarah "Ilovewatchinghimplaybasketballbecausetheplayersaresosweettoeachother and so supportive regardless of which team they’re on.” - Laura Roach, nephew Jared has participated in Special Olympics basketball locally for over four years. Coleman and Sarah “Music is his life. He just feels it. He’s unable to read or write, but he can remember all the lyrics to a song,” -says drum major AnthonyTutum’s mom Jennifer. By AliciaWanek Anthony Jared Playing sportshas beenshown toimprove self-esteem. Special Needs Kids Find Their Way on the Field and the Court