Three weeks after the conclusion of the 2016 Olympic Games, Paralympics athletes came together in Rio to compete in 23 athletic competitions equipped for people with various physical disabilities. Whether it be impaired muscle power or a lack of range of motion, this competition is meant to allow athletes from 163 countries the opportunity to compete for Olympic gold.

The USA ranked fourth among the competing countries by clenching a total of 115 medals. One of the sought-after athletes for team USA hailed from Kansas City, Kansas: Guinness World Record holder Matt Stuzman. Stuzman holds the record for archery’s farthest accurate shot of 33.47 meters despite losing both of his arms at birth and using just his feet to compete. Before discovering his talent at archery, he felt worthless in a world meant for able-bodied people until he was able to showcase his skills, according to CNN.

“I couldn’t find a job. I was pretty depressed. No guy who has kids feels good about not being able to take care of them,” Stuzman said in a CNN article. “I would like to think that I am a good competitor and the fact that I get to represent America in a sport that I love, it’s kind of my way of saying thank you.”

Similar to the Paralympic Games, Ladue High School’s Special Olympics strives to highlight kids that wouldn’t usually get recognition in athletics. Athletes from different schools across the St. Louis area will gather at the Ladue Fifth Grade Center Nov. 5 to compete for medals in volleyball matches led by Ladue students.

“It’s so important to showcase [Special Olympic] kids because they are truly amazing and inspiring individuals,” past Special Olympics buddy and senior Grace Morris said. “When the focus is on them and what they can do they shine. It’s humbling to watch those kids be happy with what they have because it always reminds me of how lucky everyone is even though we don’t always see it.”

Even though Special Olympics only occurs once every school year, the all-inclusive cheer and dance team at Ladue, the Sparkle Effect, allows children with disabilities the opportunity to showcase their skills all year long. Morris, a member of Sparkle, acknowledges the need for an atmosphere where kids with mental and physical handicaps can interact and feel challenged with other students.

“It challenges their ability to focus and interact with other kids and gives them an exciting thing to focus on,” Morris said. “After a while, they really start to remember the dances and you can tell it’s an accomplishment to them. Seeing them learn new things and branch out is incredible, and you can tell it makes them happy.”