Special Olympics

Growing up with the Internet, today’s teenagers are electronically savvy, spending countless hours downloading songs on iPods, finding new apps for iPhones and communicating with friends through texting or Facebook. Even teenagers and young adults with developmental and cognitive disabilities have developed an aptitude for electronic communication when verbal expression is difficult or uncomfortable. What’s missing from this advancement in electronic communication, however, is the human interaction that with the right partnership can foster group dynamics and teamwork. This is the case for two County organizations, the Montgomery County Tennis Association (MCTA) and Special Olympics Maryland-Montgomery (SOMO) whose jointly sponsored program is proving a Special Olympics founding belief that "people with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy, and benefit from participation in individual and team sports." And thanks to young mentors/coaches like Scott Gerson, a 14 year-old Bethesda Chevy Chase (BCC) High School freshman, youth from both organizations are connecting using a more personal communication tool – a tennis racket.

For the past four years since he was barely 10, Scott has been an active volunteer in the MCTA and Special Olympics Maryland Tennis Program providing friendship, guidance and support on and off the tennis court for Special Olympic athletes. And as a result of his efforts, Scott has created a unique and rewarding partnership with Al, a young man with developmental disabilities. Together they have won three gold medals (two at the state level and one county level) and a state silver medal.

"Playing tennis" according to Scott, "has not only been a great physical accomplishment for Al but has helped him to grow emotionally too." Scott feels a sense of personal satisfaction from seeing a smile on the faces of Al and other athletes. He explained that Al may have limited communication skills but it certainly doesn’t affect his tennis playing ability.

Scott helps Al understand the rules of the sport, teaches him tennis mechanics and strategy, and keeps him focused. And while winning the medals has been exciting for both players, the emphasis is on camaraderie and enjoyment of the game. Scott’s greatest reward is advocating for and helping young people with disabilities feel empowered. And that coupled with playing tennis is a great match.

Scott’s dad Jon initially exposed him to people with disabilities volunteering together at a local group home. However, it was Scott’s idea to pursue further involvement with the disability community finding an avenue to use his tennis and baseball expertise to work with Special Olympics. Jon expressed pride in his son’s passion, sharing that "Scott has a quick mind and strong body, but his best attribute is his heart, which he shows through his compassion and caring for others."

Special Olympics and MCTA have given Scott a position of responsibility not usually afforded someone his age. For the past few years besides partnering with Al, he has also served as the youngest coach for the athletes - quite an accomplishment. To add to his honors, MCTA recently recognized Scott as the 2010 Special Olympics Volunteer of the Year. According to Greg Overkamp, MCTA Board Member and head of the joint tennis program, "Scott is an avid baseball player, but always puts Special Olympics first missing BCC high school practices and games to work with Special Olympics athletes on Sunday afternoons. One would be hard pressed to find another young man his age who exemplifies such maturity and patience when working with the athletes."

Scott credits his experience with Special Olympics as changing his attitude toward individuals with disabilities. Not only is he more understanding of their capabilities, but also more accepting of their different learning styles. In contrast, most of his friends and peer group, who haven’t experienced the satisfaction of working with these athletes, may not be as accepting. And as Internet technology’s instant messaging is becoming the main source of communication among teenagers, Special Olympic athletes remind us of a more important message and form of communication -- "reaching out and touching someone" on the tennis court, is making a real difference in the athletes’ and the volunteers’ lives.