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Category:
Published: July 2007
This month Success Magazine recognizes the dedication and heroism of Special Olympics athletes, volunteers and supporters, and shares a few ways you can help this inspiring program.
"Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes,
but by the opposition he or she has overcome to reach his goals."
- Dorothy Height
We all encounter obstacles in our lives. Some struggles come from within; others are thrust upon us. Problems with health, family, work and finance, accidents, incidents, love and loss, all bear heavy weights that threaten to wear down even the strongest spirits.
It is dangerously easy to let obstacles evolve into excuses, to focus on the reasons why we can't succeed. But, if we fight the temptation to fold, and commit fiercely to the spirit of perseverance, those same obstacles can become a source of strength. Ultimately, it is our struggles that define who we become. The world's brightest heroes are people who refuse to surrender their vision. Heroes remind us to fight on with determination and delight.
This month, we at Success Magazine would like to celebrate the athletes, volunteers, and sponsors of the Special Olympics for setting just such an example. Of all the elements that comprise a human being, they remind us that the most essential, the one that feeds our strength and sustains our drive to overcome, the one that carries joy like a torch through the streets is spirit.
Special Olympics New York is open to every person with intellectual disabilities over the age of eight. Sports training is provided year-round to nearly 40,000 athletes of varying ability. SONY organizes and holds more than 400 competitions a year in over 20 sports, from figure skating to powerlifting. Medical professionals volunteer at Healthy Athlete clinics, offering complimentary medical screening and guidance to Special Olympics participants. Many athletes become involved in leadership programs as they grow with the games, coaching other athletes, speaking publicly about the mission of the Special Olympics, and serving as board members and international ambassadors. Some of the athletes are proudest of the medals they won. Others are thrilled about making life-long friends. Almost all say that participating in the Special Olympics has helped them find a strong sense of confidence and independence.
We all need help to become our very best. We all need someone standing in our corner, teaching us, cheering us on, ready to catch us, or just make us a snack. Special Olympics New York needs help too. A network of more than 25,000 volunteers provides the backbone for the games. Volunteers do everything from coaching and lobbying for funding to repairing team uniforms. All participation in the Special Olympics, training and competition, food and health care, is provided free of charge to the athletes. Special Olympics New York is not a government agency. Funding is provided through the generosity of individuals and corporations. Thanks in large part to the contributions of prominent local philanthropists, Special Olympics New York continues to grow. Saratoga's grand dame, Mary Lou Whitney, is a long time supporter of the Special Olympics. She and her husband, John Hendrickson, will be the honored guests at this year's Satin, Silks & Stars Weekend, SONY's annual benefit in Saratoga. Neil and Jane Golub, of the Golub foundation and Price Chopper Supermarkets, have teamed with Wayne and Simone Hewitt of GE, serving as honorary Committee Co-Chairs for the event. Their contributions, both financial and personal, continue to be a driving force in the success of Special Olympics New York.
This year's Satin, Silks & Stars event kicks off Saturday July 28th, opening day at Saratoga Racetrack, with a US sanctioned 5K run through the streets of Saratoga. There is still time to register to race, or sponsor one of over 1,200 runners. That evening, SONY is holding its 17th Annual Black-tie Gala in the ballroom of the Saratoga Hotel. Attendees can help support the Special Olympics while enjoying an evening of fine dining, dancing, and music, as well as live and silent auctions. Sunday morning the benefit weekend concludes trackside with the Satins, Silks and Stars Luncheon. This gourmet lunch at the racetrack's At the Rail Pavilion is expected to draw more than 200 people, including celebrities coming to Saratoga to show their support for Special Olympics New York. Taking part in these exciting events is a wonderful way to ensure that Special Olympics athletes will continue to have a forum to learn, train, compete and celebrate. Most importantly, the Special Olympics is a way for the athletes to prove that you can accomplish truly remarkable things if you believe in yourself and fight hard to reach your goals.
If you'd like to play a more direct role in helping the Special Olympics, there is always need for volunteers to help coach, hold events, prepare food, plan fundraising and more. When you see the joy, pride, exhilaration, strength and inspiration as another athlete crosses the finish line, you may very well find that being the one cheering in the corner is also a beautiful victory.
The athletes of the Special Olympics will humble and inspire you. You will find yourself straining along with them as you encourage them on and, finally, brimming with joy in celebration of their accomplishments. Let the spirit of the games and the spirit of the athletes be a reminder. Persevere. In the sentiments of Winston Churchill, "Never, never, never give up." Do not let your obstacles define you. Choose instead to define yourself by the struggles you've overcome.
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