Last Saturday I volunteered at the Maine State Special Olympics with a team from Brewer to see my 15-year-old cousin, Daniel Butler, who has autism. Not only did I enjoy watching him have fun doing something he loves, but I left with a new understanding and appreciation of people with special needs.

“All the kids are enthusiastic. They are excited about Special Olympics all year long,” said Francie Butler, a Brewer High special education teacher and Daniel’s mother.

Special Olympics gives special needs students a chance to participate in sports and have a good time – running down the track, smiling and giving it their best shot.

The Special Olympics track and field championships are very similar to a track meet. Athletes run events such as the 200, 100, and 50-meter dash; throw the shot put and the softball; and do jumping events. Every year people from all over Maine travel to the University of Maine to participate.

“Running and long jump are my favorite events. I like to win for the team. This year we got to stay over night, it was pretty cool,” Jeromy Berry said.

Special Olympics is not just for children and young adults. There were people running, jumping and throwing who were over 50. Everyone was having a great time – hanging out with friends, laughing and eating under a tent.

Special Olympics is more than giving people a chance to try out sports, it gives them a chance to be like you or me. In a society based on judgment and first impressions, that’s pretty good.

“It’s hard sometimes having an autistic brother, but most of the time he’s just a regular person,” explained seventh-grader Meagan Sawyer, sister of Matthew Sawyer. “I think it’s good they have their time to do sports – they don’t usually get to do them.”

“I like to win medals, and I like to improve each year and hang out with my friends,” Matthew Sawyer said.

Parents and other family members come to cheer for their son or daughter, brother or sister – and have a wonderful time themselves.

“I’m always excited for Special Olympics. It is very cool to watch and it’s a lot of fun. It’s their day to shine,” said Jane Sawyer, Meagan and Matthew’s mother.

Special Olympics brings families together and shows parents how amazing their child can be, Francie Butler said.

“I don’t care if he wins or loses as long as he does his best, and has fun,” she said.

For some people, having a gold, silver or bronze medal hanging around their neck is all about glory. For others, to walk in the sun and have a good time participating in sports, means much more then a medal. As long as you have done your best, that is what really counts for the Special Olympians.

“It gives me a chance to do the best I can, and do what I’m good at. I’m not as good at other stuff than stuff here,” Ryan Allen said.

Giving people a time to do the best they can is a great thing.

“I’ve been coming to this since 1969, and every year, I like to see the kids’ spirit and see people I’ve known since college,” said Brewer special education director Kerry Priest.

Those who work with the Special Olympians make it plain that people do care about the event – and it is no different than supporting a middle or high school track meet.

At the end of the day when teachers and students are packing up and taking down tents, what is going through everyone’s mind is what a great day they had.

“You are more aware of people around you who have mental disabilities,” said seventh-grader Katie Butler, Daniel’s sister. “I’m lucky to have a person with special needs as my brother because I learn more about others. It’s a fun time to be with friends and family.”

Yes, Special Olympics is a great time. It brings joy to see people who have been challenged and held back in life be free and live one day of their life to the fullest.

As Mona Cates puts it, “Having fun is important, just trying your best. I look forward to this each year.”

From my perspective, the Special Olympics can be best described in one word: phenomenal.

Matt McLaughlin is a seventh-grader at Brewer Middle School.