After competing last month at the Special Olympics World Games, Jared Lamb is getting back in the swing of things at Tioga Central and BOCES. The 16-year-old from Owego, N.Y. has been busy at track and field practice, along with appearing at special events.
The once-in-a-lifetime Special Olympics experience as part of “Team New York” and “Team USA” took Jared more than half way around the world to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The games hosted more than 7,000 athletes from about 170 countries to compete in 24 sports.
The flight to the UAE was about 14 hours. Jared flew over first with the team, and later met up with his parents who flew separately a few days later.
At the games, Jared competed in his favorite event, the 400m race, as well as the 4×100 relay and the shot put.
Jared beat his personal record in the 400m race by five seconds, which placed him seventh at the World Games. His previous record in the 400m was set last year at the U.S.A. Summer Games in Seattle.
The accomplishment reflects Jared’s ongoing personal goal, “To always do better.”
For the 4x100m relay, Jared’s team finished sixth.
Although an illegal move at one of the shot put events disqualified him, Jared’s mother, Julie, explained that it was a learning experience.
“He thought he was doing it right, and I was concerned he would get discouraged,” Julie said, adding, “But he kept going! He’s come so far with the things he’s done.”
Jared was diagnosed with autism at a young age, and was non-verbal until age four. Today, Jared participates on the football, wrestling and track teams at Tioga, and where, last December, he won his first Varsity wrestling match.
Julie said, “Sports at Tioga, and also the Special Olympics, have encouraged Jared to overcome many obstacles in his life.”
During down time in the UAE when he wasn’t competing or supporting the team, Jared enjoyed checking out two separate shopping malls, took in an amusement park and visited the mega tall Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Considered the tallest building in the world, the Burj skyscraper stands 2,717 feet tall and features 163 floors.
“Jared just loves big cities,” Julie said, and further remarked that the shopping malls were quite elaborate, too, one of which had an aquarium and ski resort inside.
Two other fun activities, Jared took a taxi ride for the first time and also rode the Metro.
Jared’s father, Lance, was fascinated with the multiple building construction projects going on in the UAE since that is his business here. The weather was a bit hit for the Lamb family, too. Julie described that every day was gorgeous with only scattered showers, and then Jared pointed out that there were “no bugs.” Julie shared that the people in the UAE were also very welcoming.
A favorite part of the entire experience was, Julie remarked, “Jared just loved the opening and closing ceremonies.” One video shared on social media shows Jared and his teammates dancing in front of their seats at the closing ceremony.
Food was a bit different for the Lamb’s while in the UAE, so as a welcome home treat, Jared was happy to have his favorite local pizza and chocolate chip cookie cake.
Since returning home, Jared has been invited to be a special guest at various functions where he shows off his medals while sharing his favorite Olympic moments.
Another first for Jared, he has been invited to throw out the first pitch at the Rumble Ponies baseball game scheduled on April 26.
Regarding the entire journey, Julie commented, “I’m just really amazed at how well he did,” adding, “We are very proud of him.”
Going forward, the Facebook page, “Jared’s Olympic Journey” will remain active. Follow the page for updates on Jared’s participation at the N.Y.S. Special Olympic Games coming up in June, along with other news.
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