My son Anthony is a part of the Unified Track Team at Wahconah High School in Dalton Ma. The Special Olympics states that Unified Sports, “Brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to train and compete on the same team.” I am proud of my son and all the students that compete. They define what dignity truly is. If you have not had the opportunity to attend one of these events, I would encourage you to do so.
These events are not just about the competition or about winning. It is about creating an atmosphere of Acceptance, Inclusion, Acknowledgement, fairness, and understanding. The cheers are just as loud for those who finish first as they are for those who just finish. The unity between those athletes with and without intellectual disabilities is amazing to watch and be a part of. I believe that Anthony’s participation in these events has made him a better student, a better person, and a better young man. I saw this with all the students who participated.
These are special people who deserve to be celebrated and their behaviors copied every day. I sometimes forget the importance of honoring dignity. Like many of us life gets in the way, and we forget how to treat ourselves and others. Attending these unified events like track and basketball reminds me of how important it is for us to open our hearts and embrace the amazing possibilities that life has to offer when we connect to dignity.
I often hear people talk about our younger generation and not always in a positive light, but I will say this if what I see at these unified competitions is an example of our future generation then we have nothing to worry about. They are the true example of what dignity is and I am proud to say that my son will be one of those future dignity leaders.
“The chances you take, the people you meet, the people you love, the faith you have. That’s what’s going to define you.” – Denzel Washington
I am a better person for knowing these amazing young people.
Charles Redd RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
Dignity Freedom Fighter 