Opinion: Special Olympics Struggles to Achieve a Deeper Mission

An Editorial Observer piece from The New York Times recently nails the issue of what happens to the ahtletes when they go home. Are they able to participate fully in the community? Will they have jobs? Will they lead productive and fulfilling lives? Or is Special Olympics it?

When Special Olympics athletes get their medals — and the competitions are designed so that many, many do — the music swells, they pump their fists and their parents and teammates clap and yell. At the 2015 Special Olympics World Games across Los Angeles this week, the medals ceremonies went on for hours, a cascade of triumphant moments, one after another after another.The glow has to last, because the athletes will need it when they get home and become invisible again.