As a long time volunteer for Special Olympics, I have seen the story
passed around a number of times. While I agree with the commentary on
snopes.com (..." Special Olympians train long and hard for their events
and are every bit as committed as athletes who compete in any other
athletic endeavors. The Special Olympics are not a casual get-together
organized to give less fortunate members of the community a day to
socialize and perhaps run in a foot race or two - they're highly
organized sporting events taken very seriously by all involved, with
each competitor striving to do his best. It's about trying. And
succeeding."), I would also like to point out that I see more displays
of good sportsmanship at Special Olympic events than I do at other
sporting events, such as professional or college events. The Special
Olympic oath states "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in
the attempt." That oath is said by all athletes, coaches, and volunteers
before the start of every event. 
 
If you have not volunteered for Special Olympics, I encourage you to do
so. We can always use more volunteers and it is a rewarding experience
for everyone involved. There are several Special Olympic events in our
area every year and I would be happy to give contact information on
those events.
 
 

Melissa Blazek, M.S.

Program Liaison

 

The Graduate School

Dept 5305 

615 McCallie Avenue

Chattanooga, TN  37403

423-425-4667 (telephone)

423-425-5223 (fax)

 

Website: http://www.utc.edu/Administration/GraduateSchool/
<http://www.utc.edu/Administration/GraduateSchool/>
<http://www.utc.edu/graduateschool> 

 

 

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