Day 5
Special Olympics & Down syndrome
 

"Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." Eunice Kennedy Shriver
The birth of Special Olympics started out as a summer camp in the late 1950’s and for over 60+ plus years has blossomed into an international sporting event.  Starting at the age of 8, an individual with Down syndrome or any intellectual disability can participate in Special Olympics. 

Based on research, 15% of individuals with Down syndrome have a malalignment of the cervical vertebrae C-1 and C-2 in the neck.  This condition exposes individuals with Down syndrome to the possibility of injury if they participate in activities that hyper-extend or radically flex the neck or the upper spine. This is not a show stopper, but something to consider.  (http://www.specialolympicsga.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/PARTICIPATION-BY-INDIVIDUALS-WITH-DOWN-SYNDROME-WHO-HAVE-ATLANTO.doc)

Special Olympics offer a variety of sports.  My son Stormie is a Special Olympics athlete.  We have kayaked; played basketball; done swimming; bowling and golf.