Local kids talk about the benefits of Special Olympics

Special Olympics Project Unify in Eastern Idaho needs local volunteers to help with unified sports in our community. Reporter Christina Jensen spoke with some volunteers about why kids should join.

“I got an opportunity to dance with one of the athletes and he gave me a hug when the dance was over and he totally asked me for my number he was like hey!,” said Olivia Johnson.

Johnson has been volunteering for Special Olympics Project Unify for eight years. At just 14 years old, Olivia dedicates several hours a week to help the athletes.

“It is a good thing to experience it. It teaches you that you need to include other people,” Johnson said.

Volunteers like Olivia and 15-year-old Tycan Biggs hope to end the “R” word and end exclusion. Those are just some of the causes the project promotes.

“People use the “R” word in mean ways and some kids get offended over it and it just makes them feel like they are not a part of this and it hurts their feelings,” said Biggs.

Project Unify also provides youth with and without intellectual disabilities the opportunity to train and play together as teammates. Students develop athletic skills while forming friendships.

“Football involves sportsmanship it adds social skills like talking in between plays. Basketball involves communication and baseball you get to hit the ball as hard as you can and let the anger out,” said Biggs.

If you would like to become a part of the East Idaho Youth Activation Council, contact Shanna Endow at sendow@idso.org. The council is looking for middle and high school students.