Jailyn Santiago
Staff Writer
What if there was a place where everyone could participate in sports, regardless of ability? At Broward College, the Special Olympics Club has made that vision a reality, breaking down barriers and creating an inclusive space where students with disabilities can thrive in sports.
For the past three years, the club has focused on working with students with disabilities on campus to build on their college experience. The club is a unified community, where students with disabilities (athletes) collaborate with their peers (partners) to train, compete, and support one another in various sports. The members of the club have worked hard to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Marilyn Godoy, president of the Special Olympics Club, said “[Special Olympics] helps students build confidence. It’s making a difference in these students’ lives. This club is like a family; we grow and learn together.” Through events, the partners and athletes are able to create connections and friendships with one another, as well as indulge in different types of activities.
Beyond sports, the club is committed to raising awareness. The ‘Spread the Word to End the Word’ campaign, advocates for the respectful treatment of individuals with disabilities and aims to eliminate derogatory terms and negative stereotypes. The club’s vice president, Oriana Prieta, explained what the club is all about. “The Special Olympics Club focuses on inclusion, teamwork, and athletic skills for individuals with disabilities. The club organizes activities like training sessions, sport events, and competitions,” she said.
These events are a chance for the athletes to unwind, build friendships, and enjoy moments of pure fun. This December at the upcoming holiday event, karaoke is highly anticipated among its members. One of the club’s athletes, Ohani Henriquez, talks about why he enjoys being in the club. “I like to have fun when doing sports, like cornhole,” he said. He first found his interest in playing cornhole at the Special Olympics Summit. For the past two years, the club has gone to the Special Olympics Summit in Orlando, where students from all around the state can compete in a multitude of sports, like gymnastics, basketball, and cheerleading. During the summit, members of the club have made connections and collaborated with students from high schools and colleges all around Florida.
These activities not only promote fitness but also promote a place of inclusion and support. As the club continues to grow, its members show that with a little bit of teamwork and understanding, anyone and everyone can achieve their dreams. This club is open to anyone at Broward College who may be interested.
For more information about the club, feel free to email the club’s advisor, Professor Santiago, at esantiag@broward.edu.
santj339@mail.broward.edu
