I learned something at the 2012 Summer Games

By Charles Swanigon

I don’t think the Special Olympics Texas are about sports, they're about people. The sporting events are a tool that brings people together. I know nothing about the varying levels or kinds of needs when you talk about "special needs people". But, it was nothing like what I expected.

I went to cover a basketball game, get a couple interviews from players and coaches, and throw around some stats.Quickly, I noticed there was something much bigger going on. There was pure athleticism on display, good ball handling and skill. I was also amazed to see the varying ages and diversity.

It was also cool to see girls and boys playing on the same team. Can you imagine going to a high school basketball game and seeing girls playing boys and not just holding their own, but excelling? I was entertained and wowed by the pride that the families of the players exuded as they watched.

The story is not the basketball game, but how a group of Americans with intellectual disabilities came out to have a good time and compete in the great sport of basketball.