1. Track and Field Seminole County Special Olympics Savannah Dowdy savydowd@yahoo.com April 23, 2010 EEX 4070

2. Early Perceptions Overwhelmed, but ready for the challenge Great learning opportunity Completely new and much needed experience

3. Introduction to the Setting The track next to the bleachers was where we spent most of our time practicing. Freedom High School- Area Games Location. Lake Mary high school which was where we had practice every Saturday morning.

4. Introduction to the setting Cont’d This is the field where we would practice the softball throw. We called this area the “pit.” This where we practiced the long jump and short jump events.

5. Site/ Community Demographics

6. Personal Demographics Very little prior experience working with people with disabilities Sincere love for running So Special Olympics track and field coaching was perfect for me! + =

7. Engagement Activities Leading warm-ups Exercises were led by athletes and volunteers. We would perform warm-ups every Saturday morning before practice.

8. Engagement Activities Cont’d Timing and running events with athletes This is a picture of me running my leg of the relay with the athletes. That’s Me! This is where the athletes practice their 100meter walks and runs. I’m at the end timing. We would do this every Saturday.

9. Engagement Activities Cont’d Aiding with long jump and short jump Helping with the softball throw We did both of these events every Saturday. This is the head coach helping an athlete with the short jump. I would also catch balls for the softball throw.

10. Engagement Activities Cont’d Registering and getting athletes ready for the area games This is the tent where I registered athletes for the 100 meter walk and run. This was the entrance for the area games. Before the games we had to dress and coordinate athletes according to their events.

11. How I got started I heard about this opportunity through a classmate and decided to become an assistant head coach for Special Olympics track and field.

12. Participant Demographics Several different ages (from 14-59) Ethnic backgrounds- primarily white, black, and Hispanic Linguistic heritage- Spanish and English Exceptionalities- down syndrome, autism, severe head trauma Number of people served- 18 athletes, 3 volunteers, 2 coaches

13. Reflection of My Experience Should not be afraid of working with individuals with disabilities. Extremely loving people. I learned the most simply from talking with the athletes. Made me appreciate life more and their amazing capabilities. I’ve take away the importance of learning how to handle intense situations with ease.

14. Teaching applications of my experience Many more lessons are learned though experience. Teach with more understanding. Be cognizant of tactics that will work for students. Be patient. Your demeanor must be confident and collected. These are amazing people who are capable of extraordinary things.

15. Thank you!