Time to Shine: Special Olympics USA Games kick off in Orlando

♪ >> THERE IS TO MUCH GOOD IN SPORTS. IT’S DEDICATION, ITS LEADERSHIP, ITS CONFIDENCE. AND YOU SEE THAT COME THROUGH IN THESE ATHLETES, MORE THAN ANY OTHER GROUP. >> THEY HAVE COME TO ORLANDO FROM ACROSS E THU.S.ND A BEYOND. ATHLETES LOOKING FOR THEIR SHOT. THEIR PLACE ON THE PODIUM. >> THIS IS OUR FOURTH SELECTION TO THE USA GAMES. >> BUT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES ARE SO MUCH MO THANRE SPORTS. >>T I HAS HELPED ME DEVELOP MY MOTOR SKILLS. PERSONALITY, FRIENDSHIPS. >> SOCIETY HAS PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS OF WHAT ATHLETES CAN AND CANNOT DO. THE PURPOSE OF THESE GAMES IS TO SHATTER THOSE PRECONCEIDVE IDEAS. >> TONIGHT, YOU WILL MEET SOME OF THE ATHLETES COMPETING HOW YOU CAN CHEER ON THESE MEN AND WOMEN AND THE BIGGER GOALS OF THESE GAMES. >> THEY UNDERSTAND WHAT THIS IS ABOUT. IT IS ABOUT FORMING FRIENDSHIPS AND THEY WILL BE FRIENDS FOR A LIFETIME. >> THIS IS WESH 2 CHRONICLE, TIME TO SHINE. THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES. JIM: HELLO AND WELMECO TO CHRONICLE, I’M JIM PAYNE. MEREDITH: I’M MEREDITH MCDONOUGH. WE’RE AT EXPLORIA STADIUM IN DOWNTOWN ORLAN,DO HOME TO ORLANDO’S PROFESSIONAL SOCCER TEAMS. JIM: BUT TODAY WE’RE HERFOE R A DIFFERENT CALIBER OF ATHLETE. ONES WHO DEFY THE ODDS NOT JUST IN THEIR CHOSEN SPORT, BUT IN EVERY DAY LIFE. MEREDITH: THEY ARE THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS AND THIS IS THE USA GAMES 2022. JIM: MORE THAN 5,000 ATHLETES, THEIR FAMILIES AND FANS KIEDCK OFF THE GAMES RIGHT HERE AT EXPLORIA STADI.UM THE CEREMONY, A CELEBRATION OF THE VICTORIES TO COME BUT ALSO POIGNANT WITH THE PURPOSE OF THESE GAMES. AND THAT IS TO SHOWCASE FEATS OF COURAGE, STRENGTH AND HUMANI.TY IF YOU’RE NOT FAMILIAR WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS, YOU ARE IN FOR A TREAT. [CHEERING] >> FOR OVER 50 YEARS, WE’VE BEEN HOLDING GAMES AROUND THE US. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT’S HERE IN FLORIDA. IT’S SOAL THE LARGEST. JIM: JOE DZALUK IS IN CHARGE OF THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GESAM AND HAS BEEN WORKING ON THIS EVENT FOR FOUR YEARS. IN A PERFECT WORLD HANE D THE THOUSANDS OF VOLUNTEER HELPERS WILL BLEND INTO THE BACKGROUND AS NRLEAY 55 A00THLETES FROM ALL 50 STATES AND SEVERAL CARIBBEAN NATIONS TAKE CENTER STAGE. >> WE’RE ABLE TO SHOWCASE EVERYTHING THAT WE DO FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION. I THOUGHT IT WAS TIME FOR ETH SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA TO BE ABLE TO FOCUS THE NATION ON OUR SPECIAL OLYMPIC ATHLETES. M:JI THE USA GAMES WILL OFFER 19 OLYMPIC STYLE TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL SPORTS. FAMILIAR ONES LIKE TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS AND GYMNASTICS. BUT ALSO BOCCE, EQUESTRIAN, STAND UP PADDLEBOARD FGLA FOOTBA.LL INDIVIDUAL SPORTS, TEAM SPORTS AND UNIFIED SPORTS WHERE PEOPLE WITH AND WITHOUT DISABILITIES COMPETE ON THE SAME TEAM. ESPN WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS WILL HOST MOST OF THEM BUT MUCH OF CENTRAL FLORIDA WILL BE SHOWCASED DURING THESE GAMES. >> WE KNOW WHAT A WONDERFUL PLACE ORLANDO IS IN FLORIDINA GENERAL TO VISIT. SO WHY WOULDN’T WE DO IT? M:JI SHERRY WHEELOCK SHOULD KNOW AS CEO OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA, WHOSE ATHLETES COMPETE REGULARLY AT DISNEY AND OTHER USA GAMES VENU.ES TEAM FLORIDA IS THE LARGEST DELEGATION WITH MORE THAN 060 ATHLETES AND COACHES COMPETING. AT DISNEY HOTSEL, BEING SERVED 200,000 MEALS, TWO SEPATEAR TRIPS TO DISNEY THEME PARKS. ALL OF IT REQUIRING 30,000 VOLUNTEER SHTSIF TO EXECUTE. ADMISSION TO EVERY COMPETITION IS FREE. >> OUR ATHLETES ARE SO EXCITED AND SO EXCITED TO TRAVEL TCOO ME HERE. WHEN THEY’RE HERE, THE BRAVERY, BECAUSE IN MANY CASES, THEY'V’ GOT SOME PHYSICAL ALONG WITH THEY’LL GO OUT THERE AND COMPETE. THEY WILL NOT TALK ABOUT AN YTHI TNGHAT’S DIFFERENT. THEY’LL JUST TALK ABOUT HOW EXCITED THEY ARE TO BE OUT THERE. >> THROUGH SPORTS, HEALTH AND LEADERSHIP, WE’RE REALLY PROVIDING PEOPLE WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE THREI SKILLS AND ALSO GROW THEIR SKILLS. JIM: EVERYTHING COMES AT NO COST FOR THE ATHLETES. THEIR FOOD, THEIR TRANSPORTATION, LODGING, SPORTING EVENTS, ENTERTAINME.NT USA GAMES SCHOLARSHIPS WILL HELP ATHLETES BUY THINGS LIKE TEAM UNIFORMS. A WEEKLONG EXPERIENCE WITHHE T FOCUS ON THE ATHLETES WHO EVEN DESIGNED THE LOGO SYMBOLIZING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION. >> INTERESTING HOW THIS CAN BE A UNIFYING EVENT AND A TIME WH ENTHINGS DON’T SEEM SO UNIFIED. >> WE CAN ALL FEEL GOOD ABOUT OUR ATHLETES, WE CAN CHEER TMHE OURSELVES, WE CAN FEEL GOOD ABOUT SOCIY.ET AND WE CAN FEEL GREAT ABOUT CENTRAL FLORIDA, BE ABLE TO HOST THIS EVENT AND MAKE SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS BOTH IN TERMS OF TIME, PEOPLE AND SUPPORT. SO IT’S A WIN WIN WIN. >> I THINK WE’RE GOING TO BE BRINGING HOME A LOT OF GOLD. JIM: LET ME WIN. BUT IF I CANNOT WIN, LET ME BE BRAVE IN THE ATTEMPT. THAT IS THE OATH EVERY SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETE TAKES BEFORE EVERY COMPETITION. MEREDITH: IT’S A REFRESHING RE-FOCUS IN SPORTS TO VALUE THE EXPERIENCE OVER THE OUTCOME. JIM: TONIGHT WE’LL BE INTRODUCING YOU TO SEVERAL OF TEAM FLORIDA’S ATHLETES WHO ARE COMPETING AT THE USA GAMES. MEREDITH: THERE ARE INDIVIDUAL, TEAM AND PARTNER SPORTS AT THE GAMES. AND OUR FIRST ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT IS IN A PARTNER PROGRAM. THAT’S WHERE PEOPLE WITH AND WITHT OUDISABILITIES PLAY SIDE-BY-SIDE ON THE SAME TEAM. JIM: KENDRA DOUGLAS INTRODUCES US TO THE OCA EAGL AES TEAM FLORIDA SOCCER CLUB FROM ORANGE COUNTY. >> HERE WE GO. >> WHEN YOU LOOK OUT ON THE FIELD AT THE EAGLES SOCCER TEAM. >> 1, 2, THREE, EAGLES. WELL DONE. >> AS A UNIT, THEY LOOK LIKE ANY OTHER GROUP OF ATHLETES, GOING AFTER THE BIG WIN. >> THE CONCEPT ITOS GET LIKE MINDED ABILITIES ONTO A PLAYING FIELD AND WATCH FRIENDSHIPS FORM, WATCH LIFE LESSONS FORM, AND JUST WATCH SPORTS BEING PLEDAY OUT. IT’S JUST AN AMAZING EXPERIEN.CE >> IT’S THE REALIZATION OF A 19 YEAR GOAL FOR SILVIA HAAS. HAAS GREW UP PLAYING SPORTS BUT FELT A SPARK WHEN SHE BECAME A P.E. TEACHER AT A SCHOOLOR F STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. >> BREAK, TYLER. GO. >> DREAMS FORMED, CREATING TEAMS IN WHICH PARTNER ATHLETES ACCELERATE THE GROWTH OF ATHLETES WITH DISILABITIES. >> WE CREATED AN ENVIRONMENT THAT YOU CAN MAKE A MISTAKE, AND THAT’S OK. YOU’RE HERE WITH YOUR FRIENDS. WE’RE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU. KENDRA: THOSE PARTNERS ONCE STRANGERS. NOW, MORE THAN JUST TEAMMATES. THEY’RE UNIFIED SPECIAL OLYMPIANS. >> PLANGYI WITH KEVIN IS LIKE PLAYING WITH YOUR BEST FRIEND. KENDRA: MEET CAESAR AND HIS BEST FRIEND KEVIN. CESAR APONTE STARTED PLAYING SOCCER AT 13-YEARS-OLD. HE LOVES THE ACTION, THE FRIENDSHIPS, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY. >> MY FAVORITEAR PT IS SCORING GOALS. >> HE ENDED UP SCORING AND IT BROUGHT A SMILE TO MY FACE. IT IS CRAZY TO SEE HOW FAR THEY HAVE COME. KENDRA: SINCE 2019, KEVIN REYNOLDS AND FOUR UCF CLUB SOCCER PLAYERS HAVE VOLUNTEERED AS PARTNERS ON THE FIELD ALONGSIDE SEVEN EAGLE ATHLETES. >> SOME OF THEM ARE MILES EADAH OF WHERE THEY WERE WHEN WE FIRST CAME HERE, AND WE STARTED. AND IT WAS REALLY, REALLY COOL TO SEE. KENDRA: THE HARD WORK IS PAYING OFF. THE EAGLES WILL COMPETE IN TSHI YEAR’S U.S. SPECIAL OLYMPIC GAMES, THEIR FOURTH SELECTIOTON THE USA GAMES SINCE 2010. AND THEY’RE EAGER TO BRING HOME THE GO.LD >> I’M CONFIDENT THAT WE’RE REALLY GOING TO DO SOMETHING SPECIAL OVER THERE. >> BECAUSE WE HAVE SO MANY NEW ATHLETES AND PARTNERS HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE USA GAMES, IT’S BECOME MORE MEANINGFUL. AND REALLY, THE BEAUTY IS WATCHING OUR ATHLETES GROW. KENDRA: A TEAM BUILT ON WORDSF O ENCOURAGEMENT, TURNING DESIRES INTO REALITY FOR ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES. >> THAT WAS A BEAUTIFUL GOAL. WELL DONE. ULTIMATELY FOR ME IS THE ATTEMPT WE SIT THERE AND SAY, ’LET ME WIN. BUT IF I CANNOT WIN, LET ME BE BRAVE IN THE ATTEMPT.’ AND IF THESE GUYS GIVE ME 150%, THAT’S ALL I WANT. I WANT THEM TO BE HAPPY, I WANT THEM TO HAVEOY J. I WANT TM TOHE GAIN NEW EXPERIENCES THAT WILL CARRY WITH THEM FOR A LIFETIME. 1,2,3 EAGLES >> STILL AHEAD ON CHRONICLE OUR CENTRAL FLORIDA ATHLETE PROFILES CONTINUE. >> AFTER WE STARTED PLAYING, WE COULD SEE HE REALLY ENJOYED IT. IT IS SOMETHING HE HAS A PASSION FOR. >> AND NOW THIS YOUNG MAN IS TAKING A SHOT AT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS USAES.AM G HOW THE EXPERIENCE IS A FAMILY AFFAIR. AND NE.XT >> TWO CENTRAL FLORIDA BROTHERS ARE MAKING THEIR MARK AT THE USA GAMES. WHY THE PROUD MOMENT IS FORCGIN THE FAMILY CHOOSE BETWEEN THEM. IT’S NEXT ON WESH 2 CHRONICLE, TIME TO SHE. JIM: WHILE THE POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE MAY HAVE HAPPENED HERE AT EXPLORIA STADIUM SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES ARE GETTING THEIR GAME FACES ON TOOMTEPE C AT SEVERAL VENUES ACROSS ORLANDO. MEREDI:TH ONE IN PARTICULAR WILL HOST THE BULK OF COMPETITION, ESPN’S WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS AT DISNEY. BUT IT’S MORE THAN A VENUE DISNEYFF OERS SPA ECIAL SETTING FOR THE GAMES AND MEMORIES THESE ATHLETES WILL MAKE. ♪ >> IIST LITERALLY THE OLYMPICS. WITH ALL OF THE DIFFERENT SPORT TYPES, AND SOME OF THESE ATHLETES ARE COMPETING IN MULTIPLE SPORTS. >> THE FIELDS ARE PERFECT, AND THE EXCITEMENT IS PALPABLE. THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS, USA GAMES HAS RIARVED AT DISNEY, WHICH IS THE OFFICIAL HOST. FARON KELLEY IS THE VICE PRESIDENT OF ESPN WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS WHERE MOST OF THE COMPETITION IS HAPPENING. HE'S’PROMISING THE ATHLETES WILL HAVE A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE LASTING A LIFEME.TI >> WHEN THEY GET TO PROPERTY, THEY ARE GOING TFEO EL LEIK AN OLYMPIAN. IT IS GNGOI TO HAVE THAT ASPECT. IT IS THAT EXCITING PIECE OF WHAT THEY WILL SEE HE,ER THE FLAGS AND THE BANNERS, ALL OF THAT. MEREDITH: THOUSANDS OF ATHLETES FROM ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES AND CARIBBEAN ARE COMPETING HERE. WITH DISNEY AS SPONSOR AND HOST THERE ARE PERKS. >> THE ATHLETES WILL NOT BE STAYING IN DORMITORIES, THEY WILL BE STAYING IN DISNEY HOTELS. MEREDITH: STAYING ON PRERTYOP ALLOWS THE ATHLETES AND THEIR FAMILIES TO ENJOY THE THEME PARKS IN THEIR DOWN TIME. THEY’LL ALSO PLAY A ROLE IN PRUCODTION OF THE GAMES. >> LIKE AND TELL YOU THAT ONE PIECE WE ARE VERY PROUD OF IS MAKING SURE WE ARE INCLUDING ATHLETES AS OFTEN AS POSSIE.BL MEREDITH: DISNEY LIVE ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCER JASON ROBINSON IS WORKINWITHG PARTICIPANTS TO PUT THESE MULTI-TALENTED ATHLETES CENTER STAGE FOR PERFORMANCES. >> MANY OF THEM ARE VOCALISTS OR TIARSTS OR HAVE SPOKEN WORD. MEREDITH: JUST LIKE THE OLYMPICS, ORLANDO HAD TO BIDN O THESE GAMES. DISNEY’S REPUTATION FOR INCLUSIVITY HELPED SEAL THE ALDE. >> INCLUSION IS A CORE VALUE FOR THE DISNEY COMPANY AS A WHOLE, SO THIS WAS A NATURAL FIT. WE WANT PEOPLE TO WALK AWAY FROM THESE GAMES WITH MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST FOR A LIFETIME. MEREDITH: DISNEY’S HISTORY OF HOSTING EVENTS FOR THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IS RICH. THEY ANNUALLY SUPPORT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA GAMES, AS WELL AS OTHER HIGH PROFEIL EVENTS. >> WE HOSTED IN VICTOR’S AND WE WILL BE HOSTING THE WARRIOR GAMES. OUR CAST WILL BE TRAINED AND FAMILIAR WITH HOW TO HELP THESE GUYS. MEREDITH: SEAN MCNALLY IS OVERSEEING THE GAMES AT WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS AND KNOWS HIS TEAM THE CASTMEMBERS, IS WELL EQUIPPED TO HELP GUEST WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. MCNALLY, WHO’S BEEN WORKING WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA FOR THE LAST 7 YEARS AT DISNEY, DESCRIBES THE USA GAMES AS A MILESTE ONACHIEVEMENT. >> BEING ABLE TO SEE IT COME TO LIFE IS GOING TO BE FOR ME A CAREER HIGHLIGHT. TO BE PART OF THAT FOR NOT ONLY ATHLETES, BUT THEIR FAMILIES ME REDITH: IT’S A SENTIMENT FELT ACROSS THE DISNEY FAMILY. >> WE SEE THE POWER OF SPOSRT SPORTS IS SUCH AN INCLUSIVE BELONGING ASPECT TO LIFE. AND IT’S SPECL OLIAYMPI TCSHAT COULD NOT BE MORE TRUE. WHEN YOU SEE WHAT IT MEANS TO THESE MEN AND WOMEN OF ALL ASGE WHO ARE COMPETING. SPORTS IS THAT GREAT UNIFIER. THAT’S WHAT WE’RE ALL ABOUT HERE. MEREDITH: SPORTS ARE THE GRTEA UNIFIER UNLESS YOU HAVE MULTIPLE CHILDREN COMPETING IN SEPARATE SPORTS ALL AT THE SAME TE.IM ALL THE MOMS AND DADS OUT THERE KNOW WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT. JIM: MAKING TIMEOR F SWIM AND BASKETBALL PRACTICE HAS BEEN WORTH IT FOR ONE CENTRAL FLORIDA FAMILY, SENDING TWO ATHLET TESO THE USA GAMES THIS YEAR. ZACH MASKAVICH INTROCEDUS US TO BROTHERS FROM WINTER GARDEN WITH THEIR SIGHTS SET ON A PODIUM FINISH. >> MEET RYAN LETCHER THE 28-YEAR-OLD SWIMMER FROM WINTER GARDEN. RYAN SWIMS THE 50 FREE, 50 BACK AND THE 4 X 50 FREESTYLE RELAY HIS OLDER BROTHER MATTHEW LETCHER THE 29-YEAR-OLD BASKETBALL STAR WHO IS HIS TEAM’S OFFENSIVE WEAPON. >> WE WORK HARD FOR IT. IT IS AN HONOR TO REPRESENT. >> TRYING TO WIN A MEDAL. ZACH: BEING ABLE TO STAND ON THE PODIUM AS MEDAL WINNERS AT THE USA GAMES WOULD BE AN ACCOMPLISHMENT THAT THE LECTHER’S WOULD NEVER FORGET. >> THAT WOULD BE A LIFE CHANGER. A DREAM COME TRUE. >> THEIR EGOS WONT FIT THROUGH THE DOOR. [LAUGHTER] THEY ARE GOING TO BEO SXC EITED AND THEY WILL WANT TO SHARE IT WITH EVERYBODY THEY KNOW. ZACH: WHAT’S IT LIKE FOR YOU AS A PARENT TO SEE BOTH OF YOUR BOYS COMPETING AND GOING TO WIN MEDALS AT THE NATIONAL GAMES? >> I’M JUST SO PROUD OF THEIR ACHEVIEMENTS AND THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS. THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING HARD. ZACH: THE LETCHER BROTHERS HAVE BEEN A PART OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER SINCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. HERE IN 2022, THEY ARE EXCITED TO SEE THEIR HARD WORK EARN THEM SPOTS AT THE USA GAMES. ZACH, WINNING MEDALS IS THE GOAL BUT MATTHEW AND RYAN KW NOWHO COOL IT IS TO BE SIBLINGS COMPETING AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. >> AS FAR AS I KNOW, NOT MANY SIBLINGS GET TO DO THIS TOGETHER. FOR DIFFERENT SPORTS, BUT YEAH, I’D SAY ITS A RARE, A VERY REAR OCCASION ZACH: FOR THE LETCHER’S THESE GA MES ARE CERTINALLY A WHOLE FAMILY AFFAIR. >> MY AUNT, MY GRANDPARENTS, MY COUSINS FROM BOSTON AND ATLAANT ARE COMING DOWN TO SEE ME SWIM. >> IT’GOINS G BE TOVERY HECTIC BECAUSE WE WILL HAVE TO DIVIDE OUR TIME, DIVIDE AND CONERQU BECAUSE RYAN WILL BE SWIMMING HERE AND MATT WILL BE AT THE VISA CENTER AND THE WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS. SO WE WILL KIND OF HAVE TO DIVIDE AND CONQUER, WE’RE GOING TO HAVE SIGNS, LIKE I SAID AND WE’RE GOING TO HAVE SHIRTS, WE’RE JUST SO EXCITED. ZACH: THIS FAMILY, LIKE SO MANY OTHERS AROUND THE COUNTRY VEHA GAINED MANY LIFE LONG FRIENDSHIPS AND HAVE BENEFITTED FROM SPECIAL OLYMPICS OUTSIDE OF COMPETITION. >> IT HAS HELPED ME DEVELOP MY MOTOR SKILLS, SKILLS OVERA,LL PERSONALITY WISE, FRIENDSHIPS. >> MADE FRIENDS FROM THE CENALTR FLORIDA AREA THAT I MET BEFO.RE THEY ARE GOOD FRIENDS THAT ARE FUN TO HANG OUT WITH. >> THAT WOULD HAPPEN FASTER. >> IT’S A CARING, INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY. THE BOYS NEVER FEEL LIKE THEY ARE DIFFERNET. EVERYONE IS JUST ACCEPTED. WE’VE MADE MANSOY EXCEPTIONAL FRIENDS THAT WE WILL HAVE FOR LIFE. IT’S JUST A REALLY GREAT ORGANIZATI.ON ZACH: JUST LIKE ANY PARENT TOU THERE, LISA IS THRILLED TO SEE HER BOYS EXCELLING AND LIVING OUT THEIR DREAMS. >> IT BRINGS TEARS TO MY EYES, SOMETIMES JUST THINKING ABOUT ALL THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND HOW FAR THEY’VE CE.OM >> BREAK A RECORD. >> THE USA GAMES OFFER ATHLETES SO MUCH MORE THAN COMPETN.ITIO WE’RE TAKING YOU INSIDE THE IMPORTANT MEDICAL AND HEALTH SUPPORT OFFERED TO ATHLES.TE ♪ JIM: THROUGHOUT THE USA GAMES WE’RE SEEING ATHLETES PUSH THEIR MINDS AND BODIES FURTHER THAN MANY HAVE HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY COULD GO. MEREDITH: THAT IS THE BEAUTY OF SPECLIA OLYMPICS, EMPOWERING THE SPIRIT, WHICH POWERS THE BODY. BUT THESBOE DIESEE ND MORE THAN WILL POWER, AND THANKS TO THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS, SPECIAL NEEDS PEOPLE ARE RECEIVING BETTER OVERALL HEALTHCARE. JIM: AND IT HAPPENS HERE AT THE GAMES THROUGH THHEE ALTHY ATHLETES PROGRAM. >> TAKING CARE OF THESE ATHLETES IS SOMETHING THAT THE MORE IET G INVOLVED, THE MORE I GET A CHANCE TO MEET THEM. IT’S JUST SOMETHING THAT I THKIN IS SUCH AN HONOR, IT’S JUST A PRIVILEGE, THERE’S NO QUESTION THAT I’M GOING TO GET MORE OUT OF THIS THAN I CAN EVER PROVIDE. JIM: DOCTOR MICHAEL JABLONSKI IS CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER FOR ETH USA GAMES. HEADING UP A HUGE ARMY OF VOLUNTEERS PROVIDING MEDICAL CARE FOR NEARLY 6,000 PELEOP SPECIAL OLYMPIC ATHLETES AND THEIR DELEGATIONS. HE’S SPENT THE LAST YEAR ASSEMBLING THEEA TM ANSED TTING UP ALL HEALTH CARE PROTOCOLS. >> FROM THE MOMENT THEY ARVERI TO THE AIRPORT, TO HOTEL MEDICAL, TO SIDELINE MEDICAL TO CRISIS MANAGEMENT. WE ARE INVOLD VEIN A OLLF ATTH THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE INVOLVED. M:JI THERE ARE TWICE AS MANY SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES AS THE LAST USA GAMES IN SEATTLE 4 YEARS AGO EACH REQRIUING 274/ MEDICAL CARE, EVEN IN THE HOTELS, FROM A VOLUNTEER ARMOFY CAREGIVERS. EVERYTHING FROM COVID PROTOCOLS TO HEAT MANAGEMENT. >> BECAUSE OF THE CONDITIONS THAT THEY HAVE, AND THE MEDICATIONS THAT THEY’RE TAKING, IT MAKES THEM MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO THAT HEAT ILLNESS. >> UP AND OVER. JIM: USA GAMES ALSO OFRSFE A HUGE HEALTH INITIATIVE CALLED HEALTHY ATHLETES. IT WILL BE THE SINGLE LARGEST HEALTH CARE EVENT FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES IN HISTORY. >> WE’VE GOT SEVEN DIFFERENT EXAMS WE WILL DO. IT STARTS DOWN AT THE FEET, WE’LL WE’LL MAKE SURE THAT THE ATHLETES HAVE THE PROPER SEHO SIZES. PROPER SUPPORT GOES TO EYES, EARS, HEALTHY MINDS. WHAT WE FIND IS ABOUT HALF OF THE ATHLETES GOING THROUGH THESE EXAMS HAVE NOT BEEN PROPERLY DIAGNOSED. THEY EITHER WEARING THE WRONG PRESCRIPTION, THE WRONG HEARING AID OR WE DON’T HAVE A HEARING D.AI IN 2018 WE FOUND OUT IN SEATTLE, ABOUT LFHA THETH ALETES WEARING THE WRONG SIZE SHOES. SO IT’S HARD TO COMPETE IN A SPORTING EVENT WHEN YOU’RE MISSING SOME OF THE BASICS. JIM: BECAUSE SOMEONE HAS A DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY DOESN'’ MEAN THEY ARE LESS HEALTHY. JUST ABOUT EVERY ATHLETE WILL GET A NEW PAIR OF SHOES AND ALL OF THEM WILL GET DIET INSTRUCTIONS TO TAKE HOME. >> SOME ATHLETES, THIS IS THE ONLY TIME THAT THEY GET MEDICAL CARE. BUT THE MORE MEDICAL PROVIRSDE THAT WE CAN HAVE MEET THESE ATHLETES, THEY’RE GOING TO DO IT FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. AND WHAT A GREAT THING THAT IS. JID WHAT A GREAT THING THAT IS. M: NEAYRL 5000 ATHLETES FROM 50 STATES AND NEARLY A DOZEN OTHER COUNTRIES ALL BETWEEN THE AGES OF 13 AND 80 RECEIVING OVER 12,000 EXAMS AND TREATMENTS WITH ONE MAN IN CHARGE OF THEIR HEALTH AND WELLBEING. >> I HOPE ORLANDO AND CENTRAL FLORIDA IN GENERAL, WI BLLE SOMETHING THAT IS A HOME FOR PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, THAT THEY CAN MECO AND GET MEDICAL CARE IN THE FUTURE. MEREDITH: AT EVERY SPECIAL OLYMPICS PRACTICE AND COMPETITION IS A DEDICATED GROUP. MOMS AND DADS WATCHING THEIR CHILDREN COME TO LIFE PLAYGIN SPORTS. JIM: FOR MANY, SPECIAL OLYMPICS IS A BRIGHT SPOT WHERE CHILDREN AND ADULTS WHO MIGHT BE LABELED AS DIFFERENT BY OTRSHE GET TO BE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE TAKING A SHOT. MEREDITH: WESH 2 SPORTS DIRECTOR DAREN STOLZFUS BRINGS US A TWIST TO THE PARENTAL PRIDE WE SEE PLAYING OUT ON THE SIDELINES. >> COMPETITION DRIVES JOSHUA ZECHER >> KEEP MY BALL STRAIGHT DOWN THE FAIRWAY. >> THE 26-YEAR-OLD FROM WINDERMERE HAS BEEN GOLFING HALF HIS LIFE. THE PAST FIVE YEARS HE ADDED SOMETHING NEW TO HIS GAME HIS DAD, BL.IL HOW GOOD ARE YOU GUYS A DUO? >> WE DO PRETTY WELL. >> SO WELL IN FACT JHUOSA AND HIS DAD, HAVE EARNED THE HONOR OF REPRESENTING ORANGE COUNTY AND FLORIDA AT THE USA GAMES AS A FATHER-SON TEAM. >> RIGHT AFTER WE STARTED PLAYING, WE CODUL SEE HE REALLY ENJOYED IT. IT IS SOMETHING HE HAS A PASSION FOR SO WE KEPT WORKING AT IT. HE HAS GOTTEN TO BE A PRETTY GOOD GOLFER. THE HARD PTAR ABOUT PLAYING ALTERNATING SHOTS IS TH FEACT THAT YOU REALLY DEPEND A LOT ON EACH OTHER. IT IS EASY FOR YOU TO PUT YOUR PARTNER IN A BAD SPOT. >> FOR JOSHUA, BEING ON THE GOLF COURSE IS ALWAYS A GOOD SPOT. THE GAME, HELPING HIM FIND A PLACE WHERE HE FEELS LIKE HE BELOS,NG A PLACE WHERE HE CAN PUSH HIMSELF, AND HIS DAD. >> I THINK IT MEANS A LOT TO GO OUT AND DO THINGS WITH FOLKS, BE INVOLVED. HAVING A SENSE OF PURPOSE I THINK IS HUGE FOR THEM. AND HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY. GOLF HAS DONE THAT FOR HIM. >> PUT IT RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE. JUST A LITTLE BET -- LITTLE BIT. CLOSE. YOU CAN DEFINITELY TELL THE INTENSITY COMES UP. HE BECOMES A LITTLE MORE CHATTERBOXY. AT THAT POINT. MAYBE IT’S THE NERVES. YOU DEFINITELY NOTICE A DIFFEREN.CE >> JOSHUA ALSO TRIED CYCNGLI SOCCER AND EVEN BASKETBALL BUT NOTHING QUIET SCRATCHED THE COMPETITIVE ITCH LIKE GOLF. >> IT’S GOOD TO SEE ETH COMPETITIVE SIDE COME OUT. SOMETIMES IT’S HARD TO SEE THAT FROM DIFFERENT ATHLES.TE BUT WHEN HE GETS OUT THERE COMPETING YOU SEE THE FRUSTRATION IF WE’RE NOT PERFORMING WELL. IT’S ALWAYS FUN. >> THE GOAL IS TO SOON HAVE JOSH PLAYING HIS BALL ON HIS OWN. >> Y MWIFE AND MY OTHER SON PLAY SO ON SUNDAYS WE TRY TO COME OUT AND PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF TOGETHER AS A FAMILY. IT IS A LOT FUN. WE HAVE A LITTLE COMPETETION GOING RIGHT NOW WHERE MY OTHER SON AND HER WILL PLAY BEST BALL AGAINST HIM AND I PLAYING STBE BALL. WHAT DO YOUHI TNK ABOUT PLAYING? >> PRETTY COOL. >> YOU LIKE TRYING TO COMPETE AGAINST YOUR BROTHER? >> UH HUH. >> FOR NOW THOUGH, JUST LIKE SO MANY OTHER DADS BILL RISELHES THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY WITH HIS SON. >> IT HAS BEEN A GREAT EXPERIENCE. IT IS A GREAT WAY FOR US TO BOND. >> INSTEAD OF DAD STANDING ON THE SIDELINES, HE’LL COMPETE ALONGSIDE HIS SON. BEING PUSHED, CHALLENGED, MOTIVATED, BY JOSHUA >> THIS EXPERIENCE IS GOING TO BE A UNIQUE AND AMAZING OPPORTUNITY TO COMPETE IN AN OLYMPIC EVENT LIKE THIS, TO PLAY AGAINST TEAMS FROM ACROSETHS U.S. IT IS GOING TO BE A LOT OF FUN TO MEET FOLKS AND SEE WHERE YOU FIT IN THAT COMPETITION. >> A FIRM GRASP ON THE GAME, GIVING THIS DUO PLENTYF O MOMENTS TO SHARE, TAKING A SWING, AT EARNING A MEDAL, TOGETH, ER JIM: I HAVE BEEN A SPEALCI OLYMPICS SUPPORTER FOR THE LAST FOUR DECADES,ER SVING ON THE FLORIDA BOARD FOR 15 YEARS. MEREDITH: AND I HAVE BEEN A ECSPIAL OLYMPICS SUPPORTER, SERVING FOR 4 YEARS. JIM: WE INVITE YOU TO BE A SPECIAL OLYMPICS SUPPORTER BY BEING A FAN IN THE STANDS AS THE MEGAS PLAY OUT ACROSS ORLANDO. ADMISSION IS FREE. THE COMPETITION IS INTEN.SE THE OUTCOMES ARE INSPIRING. MEREDITH: BEFORE WE GO WE WANT TO LEAVE Y WOUITH THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETE OATH. THIS TIME FROM THE ATHLETES THEMSELVES. JIM: FOR THE ENTIRE CHRONICLE TEAM, TNKS HAFOR WATCHING. WE’LL SEE YOU AT THE GAMES. >> LETE M WIN. >> LET ME BE BRAVE IN THE ATTEMPT.