Special Olympics
by Steve West on May 5, 2010

"Special Olympics athletes are spokespersons for freedom itself - they ask for the freedom to live, the freedom to belong, the freedom to contribute, the freedom to have a chance. And, of all the values that unite and inspire us to seek a better world, no value holds a higher place than the value of freedom." - Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Olivia's participation in today's Special Olympics was incredibly uplifting for me and Brenda. I'm uncertain how much Olivia will take with her but I'll show her the pictures I took later in her life and tell her how proud I was to see her compete. She came in third in the softball throw which is mostly meaningless as she wasn't there for the competition so much as the participation.



What is not meaningless was the sight of her standing on the podium being honored by the draping of medals by the local police force - a recognition that she matters. Will the officer who did the honoring remember why he was doing what he was doing? I pray he does.



Will the color guard who placed the flag near the torch retain the memory of the children who competed? Will the volunteers who freely shared hugs reflect on why these children were here and what they accomplished for themselves?

I had a half dozen anecdotes that amused me but I don't think I'll share those here. It would only take away from the relevance of what occured. Olivia inspires me every day. The daily struggle she has to manage makes her so much braver than me. She is my heart.

Three Replies to Special Olympics

Erik Bates | May 6, 2010
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Scott Hardie | May 6, 2010
If this was on Facebook, it would get one big Like from me right now.

Jackie Mason | May 16, 2010
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