Starting, accelerating, sprinting... Tenzin Ram, a Tibetan girl who won the top spot in the group at the first National Special Olympics, said: "This game makes me feel very happy. ”
On the 24th, at the Stadium in Baoji City, Shaanxi Province, the athletics program of the 8th Special Olympics entered the second competition day. The gusts of autumn wind brought a chill, but on the athletic field, the warm pictures and the figures of fighting made everyone feel warm.
According to Feng Pengfei, assistant to the general manager of the athletics program of the Special Olympics, unlike regular sports events, the Special Olympics need to conduct preliminaries first, classify athletes according to intelligence level, athletic ability and age, and then compete in order according to the group. "The top three in each group will receive medals, which is a great encouragement for athletes." Feng Pengfei said.
Before going on the field, there will be a volunteer next to each athlete, patiently helping the athletes change into sportswear, organize their belongings, and put them in the corresponding boxes one by one. The referee would help them wear their number plates and sometimes tie the athletes' shoelaces, reminding them to "don't be nervous, relax"
"Special Olympics athletes may not be very familiar with the game process, which requires more guidance from the referee." Feng Pengfei said. Remind athletes not to cross the line before starting, always remind them not to deviate from the track during the race, and cheer for athletes on the side of the track... The Special Olympics will require more patience and care.
As the starting gun sounds, the athlete sprints towards the finish line. "Run!" "Rush!" Sitting in the stands were the contestants and the coaches. For athletes who are struggling in the field, a familiar cheer is the biggest boost.
In the women's 12-15 years old 50m final, Tibetan athletes Danzin Ram and Solang Yangji won the first and third places respectively. Both 12-year-old girls, who are competing in national competitions for the first time, are very satisfied with their performances.
A total of 21 athletes from Tibet participated in the athletics competition. Mima, coach of the Tibet Special Olympics Athletics Team, told reporters: "Before the athletes came, they conducted a 3-month high-intensity training camp in Lhasa, and everyone trained very hard. Participating in the Special Olympics can not only improve physical fitness, but also enhance self-confidence, and at the same time, you can also come to the mainland and communicate with friends from other places. ”
At the scene of the basketball game, a detail touched many people present. As the referee whistle sounded and the game ended, the athletes of the Sichuan and Guangdong teams invariably walked up to the referee and bowed deeply in greeting. "Thank you judge!" The simple four words made the referee Zhang Xin deeply moved.
"Bravely try, win", for Special Olympics athletes, behind every seemingly ordinary action is condensed with several times more effort than ordinary people, and being able to stand on the field and complete the game has taken a big step towards success. "Special Olympics provides a great platform for athletes. Through sports competitions, people with disabilities can also experience the joy of sports like able-bodied people. Zhang Xin said.
Text, image source: Xinhua News Agency