As Special As it Gets!

Champ being kissed yet again!



Last week it was my privilege to attend the Greenville Regional Special Olympics, which were held at Furman University. This was my third year, and it was the best yet. The weather was PYR-fect -- not at all a "dog" day -- and my own nephew and niece were there, and they both won medals!


I love the Special Olympics, I love the athletes, I love the volunteers -- I guess you could say that I love the whole thing! Oops. -- except for the balloons --I forgot --I HATE balloons, especially when they pop -- and there were lots of balloons!

I got there just in time to see all 1400 of the special athletes parade around the stadium. I got to see their bright, happy faces and to hear everyone cheering. The most moving part was the singing of the national anthem by a special athlete from one of the elementary schools. He sang slowly and beautifully. It didn't matter to anyone that he could not pronounce "R" or "L", it just made it all the more special. (Think "wocket's wed gwawe" instead of "rocket's red glare!") This boy should be on Good Morning America, he was that good, and that awe-inspiring.

After the ceremony, I was stationed just outside the stadium as the athletes were leaving to go toward the venues for the actual games. Many of them remembered my name and ran to greet me. They were excited to see me, and I was very happy to see them! The ones who didn't know me came over to meet me. Some of the athletes were frightened of me, but once they looked in my eyes and touched my soft fur, they knew they were safe and their sweet faces lit up like the sun. Some of them hugged me and some of them even kissed me (which isn't my favorite thing, but with these folks I didn't mind at all). Some of them wanted to have their pictures taken with me and they wanted it taken with THEIR cameras. And some of them just wanted to show me their medals! I always try to pay special attention to everyone, even if it is just for a moment. Seeing all the smiles was just the best.

The athletes each had at least one volunteer who stayed with them throughout the Special Olympics. The volunteers did a great job, and they all seemed to be having a great time! Actually, everyone involved in the Special Olympics, whether as an athlete, a parent, a coach, a teacher, or a volunteer, has a terrific and positive attitude. Everyone was, and is, a true winner in many ways.

Polk County used to have a Special Olympics, and I was invited to the last one and enjoyed myself thoroughly. My question is, why don't we have a Special Olympics here anymore? There are so many folks in the community who would be happy to volunteer, (I'm just a dog.....don't get mad!) and most of the students I have met would volunteer to help, I'm certain. We have some truly awesome special athletes, and I myself would volunteer to be the Very Special Spokesdog. Is there someone out there who will step up to the plate to champion this very special cause?

If you ever get the chance to go to the Special Olympics, by all means, GO! It is a time of pure joy, and, if nothing else, it will make you stop and wonder how we could ever think we have something to complain about.

Woof!

Champ