"The Special Olympics reveals the champion in all of us - athletes, volunteers, coaches, fans, supporters, and others by illustrating that everyone can excel when obstacles like stigma and prejudice are removed and people are given a chance. What I most respect, too, is that The Special Olympics athletes lead the way, acting as the Movement’s spokespeople, visionaries, and inspiration, changing attitudes of everyone they encounter and shattering the myths that people with intellectual disabilities are less capable than others of leading fulfilling lives and contributing greatly to their communities."~Anonymous
Beautifully said. We change lives! With only 4 staff in our office covering 7 regions in the Hudson Valley and having over 3,500 Athletes, we keep very busy. We hold over 42 Athlete local events (called programs) yearly and hold many fundraisers to keep these events going! This doesn't include any of the State Games, World Games or USA Games that we handle as well and handling 22 Olympic-style sports. If it wasn't for all the wonderful, caring participants, donors, sponsors, volunteers, coaches and so many more, we couldn't do it all! So, thank you all so very, very much!!! We greatly appreciate all you do!
There is nothing better than to see an Athlete's smile, to see them laugh with their peers, to see them get a job, live alone or even drive. To see them take leads and speak in front of hundreds of people, to get hugs and thank you's from them, or to see how proud they are when they receive a Special Olympics Medal. To see Athletes who were bullied, build confidence and now feel empowered. Special Olympics changes lives. Not just the Athletes, but also changes the live of those who have a part of it as well. Everyone after participating in Special Olympics........can only use one word.........LOVE!
There are so many ways to help. Volunteer (at a Fundraiser or Athlete event), Participate in a Fundraiser, become a Coach, Donate, Sponsor, become a Spectator, Start your own Fundraiser, and more! So, please join our family!
I will end by quoting Eunice Kennedy Shriver,
"I will continue to keep fighting for people with intellectual disabilities. We've got to be so proud of what our special friends do and their future," said Shriver, "Their possibility of really bringing to the world something that really resembles peace and hope and faith and love that's what they can do. And we're so proud of them. And we want to keep going all the time, the next 20 years. I'm going. You come with me?"
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt"~Athlete Oath
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