Nov 17, 2016 02:42 AM
One of my passions, one of the things I like to do when not working is my chosen avocation..... a basketball referee. Yesterday for the first time I officiated 3 on 3 bball for Special Olympic athletes, in particular the mentally challenged. It was an experience I won't forget. It's not the basketball played that impressed me but the many folks who work hard behind the scenes, oft unnoticed or unappreciated by the community. Can't say enough. Made me realize just how fortunate I am.
There were 4 divisions and I was sent to officiate the games of the most challenged. An eye opener of major proportions. Inside I was feeling sympathetic, not only for these kids but for their entire families. I wish I could have just waved a magic wand and have these kids suddenly cured of their mental deficiencies, but that's never going to happen. I witnessed some very severe cases of autism and the efforts of mentors to at least get them to participate. Mentors were allowed on the floor during play to assist.
Can I say it was a game? Not really, I'm not sure if I refereed or just acted as a control agent. I must have done OK since people approached me afterwards to offer congratulations on how I handled things. I can't get the image of one kid out of my mind. So afflicted with autism that I made the effort to make sure he took a few shots unhindered. He actually scored a few baskets this way.
Fact is that no one really cared who won. I think the kids had fun but I can't say how their minds actually work. Looking forward to doing this again someday.
There were 4 divisions and I was sent to officiate the games of the most challenged. An eye opener of major proportions. Inside I was feeling sympathetic, not only for these kids but for their entire families. I wish I could have just waved a magic wand and have these kids suddenly cured of their mental deficiencies, but that's never going to happen. I witnessed some very severe cases of autism and the efforts of mentors to at least get them to participate. Mentors were allowed on the floor during play to assist.
Can I say it was a game? Not really, I'm not sure if I refereed or just acted as a control agent. I must have done OK since people approached me afterwards to offer congratulations on how I handled things. I can't get the image of one kid out of my mind. So afflicted with autism that I made the effort to make sure he took a few shots unhindered. He actually scored a few baskets this way.
Fact is that no one really cared who won. I think the kids had fun but I can't say how their minds actually work. Looking forward to doing this again someday.
