p.1 #1 · Why Aren't You Covering Special Olympics in Your Community?
Allow me to make a pitch—or a public service announcement of sorts.
If you are a newer sports photographer, or simply someone who wants to know that your work is appreciated and that you are making a real difference in your community, I urge you to consider becoming a volunteer photographer for the Special Olympics chapter in your area.
Here’s why.
From a purely sports photography perspective, it’s impossible to conceive of a better skill-building opportunity. Volunteer for a (name your state) Special Olympics Summer or Winter Games, and you will have the opportunity to cover an incredible variety of sports in just one or two days. I’ve covered as many as seven different sports in a single day. If you are a beginner, you can build your skills, grow your portfolio, and give back.
You shoot these games just as you would any other, except you will have tremendous access. But the bonus is this: there is commonly more emotion and joy in one Special Olympics event than you will see over the course of an entire high school sports season. The energy is incredible—and energizing.
It’s hard to put this into words—but I’ll try. Sports at every level have become so incredibly intense, competitive, and, quite frankly, bordering on the ridiculous and disheartening. Parents yell at 13-year-old umpires during peewee baseball games, and families spend tens of thousands of dollars in the hope that their kid gets a Division III "scholarship." For me, Special Olympics is The Great Reset.
Parents and players thank and cheer the officials and coaches. The athletes—while highly competitive—genuinely support each other. I think the Special Olympics motto says it all: "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
It’s what I kind of wish all sports were like. I realize that’s not possible in today’s world. But there is a place where it exists. All you have to do is make a call. Trust me. You won’t be sorry you did.
I have never met a person who has photographed just one Special Olympics event. They all come back from the experience energized. I’m not exaggerating when I say that it has changed my life for the better.
Here are some samples of pictures I’ve taken fairly recently. I’m not great by any measure, but I try (Brave in the attempt, as the motto goes). https://kollethphoto.com
If anyone has any questions about how to get involved, I’d be delighted to help. Just reach out.
p.1 #2 · Why Aren't You Covering Special Olympics in Your Community?
I am writing not about your post, which contains super advice but went to your gallery beyond the special olympics work. You don't need a compliment from me but you do super work. Everything is well composed and incredibly clean editing. I shoot sports on the west side. I will watch for you when I am on the east side.
p.1 #4 · Why Aren't You Covering Special Olympics in Your Community?
hey, this was super inspiring. This is a great way to give back to the community. I just signed up for our local chapter. Thank you! I never knew about this. Your photos obviously are amazing.
p.1 #5 · Why Aren't You Covering Special Olympics in Your Community?
Hey, you made my day!
I would love to hear about your experience and see some pictures once you've shot a "Games."
My suggestion would be to go to your state Special Olympics website and find the "Area" chapter that serves the community where you live. Most "Area" teams have a Facebook page. Volunteer to photograph some local games. Half the fun is getting to know the local athletes and families. It's amazing how this has broadened my horizons.
Once you've shot for your local area, then reach out to the State to cover a statewide event. Most will have a "capture crew" that covers the games. In my home state we have large Summer and Winter games and relatively smaller fall and spring competitions. Trust me. It's far more fun to shoot a State games when you know your local team. It's great to have that affiliation.
I really think you'll enjoy it. I hope your experience is as positive as mine has been.
