Those fifteen words rang through the gymnasium at Davies High School in Fargo on Saturday May 31st as again, Fargo was the host city for the North Dakota State Summer Special Olympic Games. Even though the athletes had to put up with pesky weather conditions, the small showers didn’t stop some 550-plus competitors. One of them I’m proud to say was my son.

With the rain, opening ceremonies were held indoors and then moved outside to Davies stadium for the track and field events. Volleyball, bocce ball, powerlifting and aquatics had been held the day before.

For some who may not know, the Special Olympics began in 1962 by the Kennedy’s. Specifically Eunice Shriver, President John F. Kennedy’s sister. She started Camp Shriver for these athletes because of her concerns that children with intellectual disabilities had nowhere to play. It has also been said that a major impact on her developing the camp, was her sister Rosemary Kennedy who had been left permanently incapacitated after a lobotomy to try to help her mental condition.

Through the Joseph Kennedy Foundation, funds were made available to develop these camps across the country. The actual first Special Olympics games were in 1968 but the U.S. Olympic committee didn’t give them permission to use “Olympics” until 1971. For some reason that doesn’t really surprise me.

By the way, in 1995 the United States minted a commemorative silver dollar in honor of Eunice Shriver and her accomplishments with Special Olympics. On the back is one of her quotes “As we hope for the best in them, hope is reborn in us.”

I’m proud to say I own one of these coins. Eunice Shriver died in 2009 but her son Tim carries on the legacy of his mother and the Special Olympics.

An important part of these games as well are the family, friends, and anyone who loves to see some great athletes compete. They’ve practiced with their volunteer coaches for months. The response as each city’s athletes came through the gym would have almost brought you to tears. The Olympians with smiles on their faces, pumping their fists in the air, and giving high five’s as they pass the spectators would have melted anyone’s heart. Everyone in the bleachers was standing. Photograph’s being taken. And each city’s athletes were escorted into the Davies gym by one of the members of the NDSU Bison National Champion Football Team.

North Dakota’s Special Olympics CEO Kathy Meagher was incredible in running a tight ship (horrible pun because it was raining) and a huge congratulations to all the volunteers who helped make this year’s games yet another huge success. The rain came but it didn’t dampen the spirit of any Special Olympian on the field that Day.

Oh, by the way, my son took 4th place honors in the softball throw competition. Plus, came in 4th running the 50. I think he could probably out run the old man.

For more information on how you can be part of the North Dakota Special Olympic program by volunteering, polar plunging, or torch run, check out their website at:

www.specialolympicsnorthdakota.org

Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.