Zenoids Doing Good: Monday night basketball with the Special Olympics

There are over 3.7 million Special Olympics athletes in the world; and, despite their intellectual disabilities (ID), they are some of the happiest, most fun and most inspiring people you could ever have the honor of spending time with.

Growing up with a mother who ran non-profit programs, I have volunteered my entire life, but one of my favorite and most fulfilling experiences has been my current role as a Special Olympics coach. I currently spend my Monday nights at a school in Santa Monica helping to coach Special Olympics Basketball. I’ve never played competitive basketball and don’t even know all the rules and terms, but it doesn’t matter to my athletes. They are happy to be out there on the court playing, interacting with others and learning, and they are thrilled to have the coaches there. Sometimes they want to chat about their day, sometimes they want a hug  and sometimes they just want someone to be there to witness them getting a rebound or making a basket. 

This week, when one athlete scored two points, she beamed, jumped up and down and yelled, “Did you see? I DID IT!”  That one basket did so much. It gave her an incredible feeling of pride and accomplishment, helped her to see her ability rather than her disability and just pretty much made her day. Her ear-to-ear smile, and being able to cheer her on, made my whole week. In fact, I often feel a twinge of guilt that I might be getting more out of this experience than they are.

Watching these athletes try their hardest and improve over time is an honor, and the happiness and perspective they bring to my life is truly a gift. I would encourage anyone to get involved in this amazing organization and spend time with these incredible people – as much as you will help to change their lives, they will change yours.