Finding Balance
The Special Olympics attracts many talented and competitive athletes including 20-year-old Kenneth Haines of Logan.
In 1986 when Haines was just a child, he was in a serious car accident that left him in a coma for a period of time. After Haines awoke, a long path of recovery lay ahead.
“It was the late ’80s early ’90s before I could even start physical therapy,” Haines said.
The physical therapy, especially focused on his legs, did little for his condition, Haines said. Haines, who was right-handed before the accident now completes most tasks left-handed and also had to relearn how to do everything.
“It was more of a trauma injury I think,” Haines said.
Haines did recover though, and now with the help of a wheelchair, crutches or simply something to hold onto here and there Haines gets around and does more than just that.
Matthew Ormsby, a senior studying business information systems and the director of the Aggie Special Olympics team, said, “The thing I like most about Kenneth [Haines] is his positive attitude and willingness to try new things. He doesn’t get frustrated very easily and that impresses me.”
Haines first became involved in the Special Olympics last year after reading a campus pamphlet on the program. So far, Haines has enjoyed his involvement at the games.
“It’s a good way to compete,” he said.
Most recently, on Nov. 3, Haines competed in the Special Olympics basketball invitational in his wheelchair. His team received a silver medal. Haines may also be involved in snowshoeing this winter.
Although Haines’ involvement in the Special Olympics is fairly recent, his interest and involvement in athletics is not.
In 1997 and 1998, Haines wrestled at the Summer Games in Cedar City which he enjoyed because high school rules did not allow him to compete normally. Haines has also helped teach younger kids wheelchair basketball skills at the Logan Recreation Center.
“That’s an experience that keeps me well-rounded,” he said.
Haines’ favorite sports to participate in however are soccer and rock climbing. Haines has participated in soccer- using crutches- and said that although there will be accidents and falls, it doesn’t exclude anyone and is still fun.
“You fall, you pick yourself up and dust yourself off. It’s part of the game and just makes you want to do it more,” Haines said.
Through the non-profit sporting organization Common Ground, which provides adaptable sporting equipment for those less able, Haines has been able to rock climb.
“They have equipment adaptable for people with less abilities. It’s pretty cool,” Haines said.
Haines, who loves to be around people and keeps in shape using a stationary bicycle, also loves to watch classic boxing matches, kung-fu movies and can do a great Sylvester Stallone impersonation. Haines said he feels Logan has a lot of opportunities for those with less abilities.
“I think the size fits the situation. It’s not too crowded,” he said.
“[The Special Olympics is] a great way to test your abilities without risking your body and safety,” Haines said.