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Cindy Bentley – Special Olympics Wisconsin Athlete and Global Messenger
Cynthia (Cindy) Bentley was born with a condition that was later diagnosed as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which resulted in Cindy having both cerebral palsy and cognitive disability. She was abandoned as a baby and shuffled through foster care. In one home, Bentley suffered severe burns causing physical damage and painful scarring for which she required multiple surgeries. Later, she was placed in a center for individuals with developmental disabilities and lived there for many years.
Bentley began participating in Special Olympics while in the institution and credits the staff there with encouraging her to work hard to set, reach, and exceed her goals. The determination that Cindy developed while there, has helped her earn medals in Basketball, Track, Speed Skating, Volleyball, Soccer, Softball and Tennis. In 1991, Bentley was selected as the US Female Special Olympics Athlete of the Year. Serving as a role model for all athletes, Bentley was selected on the basis of her athletic performance, character, leadership and community involvement. At the 1995 Special Olympics World Summer Games, Bentley earned a Silver Medal in Singles Tennis and a 6th place finish in Women’s Doubles.
Eighteen years ago, Bentley moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she made the transition from institutional life to a group home and finally, in 1987, to living independently in her own apartment. With a counselor’s assistance, Bentley now does all her own housekeeping and manages her finances. Since leaving the institution, she worked at the local Advocates for Retarded Citizens office, at a YMCA daycare facility caring for young children, at McDonald’s, and was employed by Marshall Fields Department Stores. Cindy currently works for People First, an advocacy organization, and is an appointee to the Wisconsin Council for Developmental Disabilities.
As a former Board member for Special Olympics Wisconsin and Special Olympics Sargent Shriver Global Messenger, Bentley brings the story of Special Olympics to many others around the world.
In 2001, Bentley testified to the US Senatorial Appropriations committee about poor healthcare for people with intellectual disabilities. Later that year, while in attendance at an event at the White House, Bentley presented President George Bush with one of her own Special Olympics Gold Medals to honor him for his bravery during the September 11 attacks on the United States.
“I’m a fighter. I am a determined person.
If I can’t do something right the first time,
I try until I get it. I never quit and I never
say I can’t.” – Cindy Bentley |
What was your first experience with the Opening Eyes program? Where was it?
My first visit to the Opening Eyes screening program was in the 1995 Games in Connecticut. Then in North Carolina in 1999. I was a Global Messenger (2nd international class) and I got glasses in 1995. The great thing is that in 1995, I think there were only two programs across the world. Now, with Lions support, thousands of people have this chance to be screened every year.
What is your impression of the Opening Eyes program, and the Lions volunteers that come out in support?
My impression is that Opening Eyes is a very good program and there are a lot of Lions volunteers from different countries like Africa and other regions. Some of those athletes could see for the first time, because in their countries they cannot see very well. Doctors were not available. For example, there was a person in my Global Messenger class, from China, and she went through the Opening Eyes screening. She did not need glasses, but she was able to get her eyes checked, and it was the first time she had an eye exam. Roughly she was in her 20's. Imagine that. In her 20s, and she never had an eye exam. Lions took care of that.
How have the glasses you received improved your performance both on and off the playing field?
I have a friend from Wisconsin – he is an athlete running track for many years. He could not see the track, and no one knew it. The boy went through OE, and he came out and he could see. Now, no one can see him on the track! As an athlete leader, I say "THANK GOD for the Opening Eyes program." Without Opening Eyes, a lot of athletes would not be able to see. Opening Eyes even gives us sport goggles. I do four or five sports, and I need glasses and sports goggles because I do team sports (volleyball, basketball, soccer, snowshoeing, tennis). I know a lot of athletes on my team that have received sport goggles. Personally, I wear them faithfully in my sports. Opening Eyes has been just wonderful, without it, a lot of athletes would not have the ability to participate in these team sports. Opening Eyes found glaucoma in one of my eyes. It was borderline, but with the help of Opening Eyes, I was able to get it treated immediately. Now, I have a doctor check my eyes ever year. It has to be this way, and it would not have been possible without Opening Eyes.
What is your message to Lions for funding a program like Opening Eyes for Special Olympics athletes?
As an athlete, they are not only helping people see, they are the heroes because if they would not have gotten involved helping people with intellectual disabilities, these athletes would not be able to see. We are the athletes, they are the heroes. |
