Nowhere else in North Dakota did the spark of human endeavor shine more brightly than it did in Fargo on June 4 and 5 for the Special Olympics State Summer Games.
Close to 530 athletes from several communities across the state had a chance to pursue the Olympic ideal - achieving physical and spiritual excellence through sports. Our program theme, "Seize Opportunities, Nourish Dreams," is based upon seizing moments.
What started as a dream to give children and adults with mental retardation a platform where they could exceed their personal bests, where they could compete with determination, where they could fight for victory and show dignity in defeat was the opportunity that the community of Fargo and North Dakota State University presented by hosting the summer games.
The theme speaks to our goal, which is to unlock the courage, strength and joy that enhances the freedom of every child and adult with mental retardation.
Special Olympics athletes, their families, the volunteers and sponsors unite us in the simple belief that what is good within us is more powerful than all of the fear, division and difficulties we confront - the dream we wish to achieve.
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The enthusiasm and energy behind this event was evident by the 40 percent increase in registered volunteers from previous years, a great majority of whom were employees from U.S. Bank Development Network, Noridian, NDSU sports department, the various Kiwanis clubs and EVAC.
Thank you to this great representation of volunteers, the host facilities, and the several sponsors, the primary being Wal-Mart stores throughout the state and NDSU TKE's. Without the financial support of the primary sponsors, the additional medallion sponsors, and those that provided in-kind support, this event could not have happened.
People of good will throughout our movement have long known that negative attitudes are detrimental to people with intellectual disabilities and that Special Olympics changes people's attitudes. And I would be willing to bet that several volunteers heard some of our athletes say to them: "come and sit by me," "did you watch what I did," "did you see me in opening ceremonies," "will you dance with me..."
Let their voices be your inspiration to build a world with no more rejection, no more prejudice and no more fear. To all we extend a warm and sincere thank you.
Kathleen Meagher
President/CEO Special Olympics
Grand Forks, N.D.
