Special Olympics World Games to feature Tioga County youth

Abu Dhabi, located along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf, is some 7,000 miles from Owego, N.Y. and 15 or more hours by air. The capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi is roughly 90 miles south of the city of Dubai, perhaps a more familiar name in that region.   

Jared Lamb of Owego, a student in the Tioga Central School District and BOCES Oak Tree program, will be flying to Abu Dhabi in March to participate in the International Special Olympics at the 2019 World Games. Abu Dhabi is the first location in the Middle East and North Africa region to be host to the games.

A once-in-a-lifetime experience for Jared as part of “Team New York” and “Team USA,” he will join seven others from New York State and nearly 7,000 young people and adults from all over the world to compete in Olympic-type sports.

Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister to Kennedy brothers John F., Bobby and Ted, the Special Olympics, now celebrating its fiftieth year, was inspired by another Kennedy sibling, Rosemary, who was a talented athlete born with intellectual disabilities. The first Special Olympics games were held in 1968, and where Eunice pioneered acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities by promoting athletes’ abilities, and not their disabilities.  

Sixteen-year-old Jared became involved with Special Olympics five years ago following a suggestion by a teacher at BOCES.

To get to the World Games, individuals must have won a gold medal, and for Jared, he achieved that last year in Albany by winning gold in the 400 meter run. All gold medalists are then considered for the World Games via a lottery-type system.

Jared has collected plenty of other medals along the way, too. At a July Special Olympics USA Games held in Seattle, Jared brought home three fifth-place finishes and one seventh-place ribbon.

“The 400 is my favorite,” Jared said, and while in Seattle, broke his record by six seconds.

The 400 is on Jared’s list for Abu Dhabi, as are the standing long jump and 400 x 100 relay.

“Jared’s hard work has paid off,” commented his mother, Julie, who explained that Jared was diagnosed very young with autism, and was non-verbal until age four.

She added, “Special Olympics has encouraged Jared to overcome many obstacles in his life.”

Julie also explained that playing sports has also leant to positive progress and improvements in Jared’s handling of being overwhelmed or over stimulated.

That hard work, along with motivation to play sports, has resulted in Jared’s achievement as being part of the football, wrestling and track teams at Tioga, and where he also takes inspiration from his brother, Austin, who has placed in state wrestling and is also on Tioga’s championship football team.

A significant portion of Jared’s drive comes from his fan base cheering him on, such as his biggest fans, his parents, Julie and Lance, along with several siblings, extended family and friends.  

Jared will continue to train at home for the upcoming World Games, but will also travel to a camp in Delaware this month.

As a Special Olympics athlete, a majority of Jared’s costs are covered by the organization. Family and friends have started a Facebook page whereby several separate fundraisers will be announced to raise money for the Lamb family’s travel expenses.

The Lamb’s stated, “Our family would like to be able to accompany Jared to Abu Dhabi to give him much needed emotional support and encouragement,” adding, “Please consider helping us to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  We thank you all.”

Jared and his family plan to reach out to area organizations for support as well.  Jared was a guest speaker at a recent Owego Lions Club meeting.   

For additional information, follow the Facebook page, “Jared’s Olympic Journey,” or contact Sheila Gallagher at (607) 972-3116.