My name is Young-ae Shim, mother of Hyun-sub Soh, who is one of the athletes of the Korea Floor Hockey team in the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Idaho.

I appreciate very much that Special Olympics Korea gave my son a chance to see the outside world. He does not know about Special Olympics before since he was having crippled disorder and did not go out much like other disabled people. Now, through regular training and exercise, he has improved a lot physically and has made many friends.

Especially through participating in this World Winter Games, he has become less shy and he can understand other people and get along with them well. He knows that he can feel proud of his team.
I worried about him because he had never experienced a team play. But contrary to my concern, all the team members of the Floor Hockey helped with each other and learned to live and play together even though it was short time.

Most important thing is that my son has become confident after this valuable experience. He can compete with anyone from all over the world with the same disability in the tournament. He makes friends with his team members and other team people. He has a good social life finally!

Thanks to Special Olympics again and I wish that not only my son but also other children with intellectual disabilities can have great opportunity like this.

Korea Floor Hockey Team

Pose with friend came from other country

Play the Floor Hockey Game

Carry the Special Olympics Flag at the Opening Ceremony