‘Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt’
CALIFORNIA, USA — Today, I begin with the global motto for Special Olympics.
‘Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt’. It’s on everyone’s lips at any Special Olympic Games, whether local or international.
That motto and the concept of inclusion for all lie at the foundation of what Special Olympics is all about.
The chairman of the Special Olympics International movement Timothy Shriver stressed it with such passion and feeling during the opening ceremony at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum a few days ago.
“Put aside fear,” he urged athletes, while he also called for acceptance and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Well, yesterday was an example of these being put into action.
Here was Jamaican Kirk Wint, competing in the 50-metre event.
Unable to run upright, and battling it out against athletes who, though having disabilities of their own, were able to race in traditional fashion.
He ran on hands and feet, and he so nearly won the bronze!
Basically every man and woman stood and cheered. It was a true show of bravery from this young man, still only 13 years old.
He took the spotlight at the University of Southern California track stadium in a way that I can hardly describe.
As journalists, we usually try to separate our emotions from the coverage we provide, but I couldn’t help it.
It was something just too sweet to pull away from. I was happy and even a little sad. But most importantly, I was inspired.
Believe me, Wint’s courageous battle and ultimate victory were a sight to behold.
