[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 26, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S8941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CHANGING LIVES: THE IMPACT OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS

  Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, I rise today to say a few words on the 
impact of Special Olympics. As many of you know, individuals with 
intellectual disability face an array of challenges in their efforts to 
secure opportunities to lead quality lives. These challenges affect 
every aspect of their lives, including their ability to participate in 
a meaningful way in their communities and society at large.
  The Special Olympics were created to address the use of sports as a 
vehicle for demonstrating the dignity and capability individuals with 
intellectual disability can achieve. Over the 37 years of Special 
Olympics history, there is extensive documentation of competition 
waged, medals won, and barriers overcome around the world. Athletes, 
families, coaches, volunteers, and spectators have witnessed many small 
and large miracles through Special Olympics.
  One such miracle is Rose Marie Garrett of Baton Rouge, a three-time 
participant in Special Olympics World games who in 2001 was named 
Louisiana's Special Olympian of the Year. At age 49, Rose Marie was 
diagnosed with Dandy-Walker syndrome, a congenital brain malformation 
that impairs motor development due to a blockage of spinal fluid to the 
brain. Despite her lifetime of struggle with the physical problems 
caused by Dandy-Walker syndrome, Rose Marie was able to rise above this 
barrier and take charge of her life. Not only did she successfully 
participate in the Special Olympics, but did so while holding a job at 
the YMCA. However, Rose Marie did not stop her lifetime of hard work 
with her achievements in the Special Olympics. She has become a strong 
advocate for this valuable program, and teaches bowling to children, 
disabled and non-disabled alike. Her message to those working to 
overcome difficult hurdles is ``Work hard and go for your goal. If at 
first you don't succeed, try, try again. Never give up. I didn't.
  Rose Marie is just one of the many success stories in the Special 
Olympics. In 2004, they commissioned a study of the impact of Special 
Olympics programs on the lives of its athletes in the United States. 
This study included survey research of current and former athletes, 
coaches, and family members from a representative sample of U.S. 
athletes and coaches. It is the most comprehensive assessment to date 
of the impact of the Special Olympics experience on the lives of people 
with intellectual disabilities. In the Special Olympics Impact Study 
and the Special Olympics Athlete Participation Survey, we see that 
Special Olympics has enabled athletes to not only train for sporting 
events, but also train for life. Through their voices, U.S. Special 
Olympics athletes have provided Special Olympics with a very positive 
report card on the impact that Special Olympics has on their lives.
  It is my hope that every person faced with intellectual disabilities 
will have the opportunity some time in their life to participate in the 
Special Olympics. As exemplified by Rose Marie's experience, overcoming 
athletic challenges can lead to a successful life. Special Olympics is 
a program that supports an inclusive and productive society and I look 
forward to watching what all these individuals will accomplish in the 
future.

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