Cloquet Hosts Special Olympics on Saturday

Wes Vork-NSO

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May 15

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

Cloquet High School once again be the site for this year’s Special Olympics Area 3 athletics competition. This year’s opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday May 16th at 9:00am.

The opening ceremonies consist of all athletes walking around the track with their respective area banner. This
introduction of
teams is then
followed by the presentation of stripes and the star spangled banner. The Special Olympians oath is then said by all athletes. “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

The Special Olympics are hosted by Cloquet Kiwanis and will be assisted by students from Cloquet High School, para-professionals, teachers and coaches. Area 3
is comprised
of athletes from
Northeastern Minnesota
and represents
nine cities from seven counties. Eleven teams participate in the Area 3 Special Olympics event.

The Area 3 delegation falls under the Special Olympics of Minnesota organization. Special Olympics Minnesota is founded on the belief that people with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and team sports, adapted as necessary to meet the needs of those with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Consistent training is essential for the development of sports skills. That competition among those of equal abilities is the most appropriate means of testing these skills, measuring progress and providing incentives for personal growth. Also, the belief that through sports training and competition, people with intellectual disabilities benefit physically, mentally and socially. Families are strengthened and the community at large, both through participation and observation, is united in understanding people with intellectual disabilities in an environment of equality, respect and acceptance.

There are eleven different events, with some designated for both male and female participants. Cloquet has two teams entered in the competition: one representing Cloquet Schools and the second representing Pinewood. The individuals participating have the true spirit of competition and have worked as hard if not harder than any other athletes.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com

Wes Vork-NSO