The Special Olympics 2015

Sunday marked the end of the 2015 Special Olympics. Since 1968, it has remained the world’s largest organization for both children and adults with intellectual disabilities to train year round, for an opportunity to compete with athletes from over 170 countries. This year, the Summer Special Olympics was held right here in sunny California, at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Years ago, I volunteered as a coach but this was my first year visiting the ceremony as an attendee, with Team Mongolia.

I was fortunate enough to capture some of the pre-ceremony celebration and spend time with the kids, along with their generous sponsors, who were kind enough to educate me on the symbols of the Mongolian flag . In short, it is divided into three parts; a blue sky and two red bands, which represents the ability of Mongolia to flourish in such a harsh climate. There are symbols of the sun, the moon, yin/yang, and what I believe is a “wall,” which stands for protection on both sides.  

Photographing the event was a chaotic yet energizing experience I will not soon forget. Congratulations Team Mongolia on your gold medals and I wish you the best of luck, at next year’s Special Olympics!