One thing that surprised me about going to Special Olympics with the team was how different it is from going to a regional tournament or a Skills competition for just the day.
When you go with the team, you usually stay in a college dorm. You ride the bus with the team and eat meals together in the dorm. This gives you a chance to spend more time with your teammates and experience things that you might miss if you only go for the competition.
There are also many fun activities after the competitions are over. On Saturday night, there is usually a big dance with a live DJ, decorations, and free things to take home. If loud music and dancing are not your thing, there are other choices. Special Olympics has been having sensory rooms with quieter and more relaxing activities. This past year, they even had bunnies that you could hold and pet.
During the day, there are activities besides the sports. There may be food trucks, games, books to choose from, model trains, giant Jenga, karaoke, and other activities. The activities can be different each year.
Another special part of going with the team is where you stay. Recently, at the University of Puget Sound, our team stayed in a fraternity house. Sharing a place with the team was a great experience. It was something I would not have experienced if I had only gone to the tournament for the day.
I would recommend going with the team to anyone who is not sure about it. If an athlete is uncomfortable going alone, their parent or caretaker may be able to complete the required background check and volunteer as a chaperone.
Special Olympics is about the sports, but it is also about spending time with your team, making memories, and trying new things. The experience is much more than just the competition.