This week, United States Secretary of Education Betsy Devos proposed the upcoming budget for her sector. It included a $17.6 million budget cut to the sports organization “Special Olympics USA”. An uproar from Republican and Democrats alike followed the proposal, resulting in the greatest flood of attention that the Special Olympics has ever experienced, according to chairmen Tim Shriver. Even though President Trump discarded the plan post-pushback, it is crucial to explore the implications and effects of this calculated administrative decision.
What are the Special Olympics?
In 1968, Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s vision for the disabled community came true. The Special Olympics were developed from several smaller organizations to empower and assist the 200 million people around the world with intellectual disabilities. Their mission is to tap into the ability, talent and power of the community that is often overlooked and under-represented. Through the power of sports, Special Olympics works with 5.7 million athletes worldwide to take the focus off individual disability and develop a larger family and community of support.
While the most important goal is to emotionally empower disabled athletes of all ages, the emphasis on strong athleticism is not overlooked. The events include over 30 Olympic-style sports with trained coaches, tailored coaching practices and tough competitions. Individual athletes break records and set standards in their countries for generations to come.
opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship
Just two weeks ago, the 2019 World Summer Games were held in Dubai. 190 countries competed in the biennial games this year. Khadija Zen Al Abdeen from Mauritania is famous for being one of the most influential female athletes in her home country. Her performance in table tennis has allowed her to excel as an athlete, feminist and ambassador for gender equality. This is one of many examples of young athletes who have been positively affected by the Special Olympics. Many have used it as a platform to spread hope and awareness.
Here, accomplished athlete Dustin Plunkett describes his experience with the games and how it changed his life completely. Countless other athletes share comparable experiences of uplift and empowerment. If the budget were to have been passed, opportunities for people like Dustin would have to rely on the uncertain support of individual donors.
What does the proposed budget cut mean for the United States?
Cuts have to be hard sometimes - Betsy Devos
Devos stated that the proposed budget was only decided because every program cannot be funded. The budget featured an extensive cut of finances for Education and increase in spending for the military and border patrol.
This highlights the tendency for the United States to put youth and special needs programs on the back-burner. Since federal budgets have historically represented moral inclinations, Trump’s entire administration earned criticism for this choice. A rapid fire of disapproval followed the budget proposal and many politicians, from both sides of the political spectrum, questioned Devos' integrity.
How did it affect the Special Olympics organization ?
Following the backlash, Donald Trump decided to override his team and continue to support the Special Olympics. Despite the limited federal support that educational programs receive, the Special Olympics have received an unprecedented level of media attention and support from the community. The organization experienced a 200 percent increase in media attention and website traffic since the news broke.
The enormous support they have earned is projected to heavily increase donations in the coming weeks and further grant the Special Olympics USA respect and a positive spotlight. This week proved to be a huge success for the disabled community and its allies. Further, it reaffirms the work of activists and politicians who serve to bring up people who are historically marginalized.