Other Things O

Are you feeling short on “human spirit” today? I know I am. To say that I had a “crappy day” would be putting it mildly. Things started out fine, dandy, a real NEAT morning. And then about 1:14 pm, I ran out into the street (like a two-year-old might) and was almost killed by a car.

I was trying to save my gigantic, gas lovin’ minivan from a tow truck. . .in front of a professional client I idolize. . .who is also a former Supreme Court Justice, to boot. Not good that I was almost killed. Not good that ME, a person in the business of “being the calm person” in the bunch, panicked and almost died - in front of client. . .over a car towing. And, not good that I let it get me down.

This brings me back to that “human spirit” thing.

On days like this, I come home and refocus. I look at my kids. I look at my husband. I look at the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games website (www.2009worldgames.org). Why? Because there is no greater inspiration or example of amazing human spirit than Special Olympics athletes. And, who do we all know that is SUPER dedicated to having a positive human spirit?

“O” yes! She needs to help let the entire world know what is coming in 2009 to Boise, Idaho. If she did, she could cross “human spirit-themed” shows off her list for the entire season - because we’d be filled up. If you don’t believe me, go to www.specialolympics.org and find a program near you. Most state organizations will be holding local summer Special Olympic Games in the next few months. Go, volunteer, give, be “human spirited.”

Amazing is the fact that a World Games competition is being hosted in the United States. . .in Boise, Idaho. And, nobody seems to know beyond the Idaho borders. So, I asked Justine Sgalio - who works inside the 2009 World Games organization - to write about the upcoming event. I asked her to tell everyone why EVERYONE should get involved. I asked her to tell the story about why “someone” should cover the Games on her show.

Take it away, “O” Justine. . .

With the Beijing Olympics rapidly approaching, I find myself digging deeper and deeper into the definition of a world-class athlete. At first mention, most of us picture Olympians such as Michael Phelps, Mary Lou Retton or Mark Spitz. But if the Olympics and these Olympians are the only things that come to your mind when you hear the term world-class athlete and world-class competition, think again.

Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition.

Every two years, Special Olympics athletes from across the globe earn the right to compete in the Special Olympics World Games to showcase their athletic skills while celebrating the message of Special Olympics.

This year, the United States has the honor of hosting this monumental event. The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games will be held in Idaho, USA February 6-13, hosting up to 3,000 athletes from more than 100 countries. The event will feature competition in seven winter sports-Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Floor Hockey, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing and Speed Skating, making it one of the largest, multi-day winter sporting events in the history of the United States.

Though the mainstream Olympics and its Olympians are more familiar to the majority of the world, there is no reason the Special Olympics World Games shouldn’t be just as recognizable, and its athletes shouldn’t be just as highly regarded.

We tend to hear the term ‘Special’ proceeded by Olympics and automatically make the association ‘real’ competition is in no way involved. But what most people don’t realize is that the athletes that compete at the Special Olympics World Games are, in their own right, nothing short of world-class athletes. They demonstrate the same emotions, triumphs and hardships all athletes do-sacrifice courage, passion and determination to name a few. They train regularly, compete steadfastly and have earned their way there. Doesn’t sound much different from an Olympian, does it?

The world needs to know the Special Olympics World Games is a world-class event, featuring world-class competition and world-class athletes. It’s time to know. Check out the 2009 Special Olympics World Games website at (www.2009worldgames.org) to discover how you can support these amazing athletes in their endeavor to be champions - true champions in every sense of the word.