SPRINGDALE, Ark. — The Winter Games, a special event for Special Olympics Arkansas, were hosted in Springdale this year.
Around 400 athletes from around the state were able to compete in a variety of sports. This year, the organization added pickleball to the line-up.
“They were playing pickleball in the community and they wanted to be able to bring it over to play with their Special Olympics companions and teammates,” Terri Weir, CEO of Special Olympics Arkansas, said. “And so that's what made it a heightened awareness of a sport for us.”
The competition was fierce, and the 29 pickleball and 24 floorball teams were all competing for themselves and the championship.
“Of course, the ultimate thing is to win the game in the end, right?” Weir said. “Our sports are no different than anybody else's, we may adapt a few rules along the way every now and again, but the overall theme is to be brave in the attempt of winning the competition.”
One standout team attempting to win the competition were the Outsiders.
Founded by Cathy Cavender, the Outsiders are a group of athletes competing in a variety of sports such as football, basketball, pickleball, floorball, swim, track and field, bocce ball and softball.
While Cavender may be the coach, much of the leadership responsibilities lie with the athletes themselves.
"We just get out there and practice and teach them to work as a team to communicate,” Cavender said. “That team isn't an 'I' it's a 'we,' it's all of us, but I don't really have to do much coaching because my athletes coach each other."
One of those leaders is Brendan Baker.
Part of the Athlete Leadership Program for Special Olympics Arkansas, Baker not only trains as a spokesperson for Special Olympics but helps guide the Outsiders by focusing on that teamwork aspect Cavender is trying to instill.
"As a team we work together, we show good sportsmanship, and just work as a team to win our game," Baker said.
The Winter Games provided opportunities for teams to be screened in their Special Olympics Healthy Athletes disciplines.
Additionally, the event allowed the teams to receive health education and screenings in Special Smiles and Health Promotions.
Special Olympics Arkansas provides opportunities to more than 19,500 athletes and 16,000 volunteers.
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