I’ve always been a big fan of the Special Olympics and I’m so grateful for my experience at last week’s spectacular event held at C-NS High School.

     As the grand marshal I had the honor of leading the parade of 450 athletes around the track on a glorious sun-filled Thursday.  Music blaring, with a crowd cheering us on, I  really tried my best to keep up the pace.  Suddenly, one of the young athletes skirted around the parade banner and darted out in front of me.  I told him to slow down and wait for me.  “Can’t!” he said.  “I’m too excited.”   “ Then I’ll catch up to you!”  “Good luck,” he said.  Away he went with me lagging yards behind.  When I finally did catch up to him and catch my breath,  the youngster, who must have been all of about 9, gave this out-of-shape mother of two a big high-five for trying. 

   Along with catching my breath, I managed to catch a whole lot more during the morning with these young athletes.  Standing next to a dad on the sidelines, who was clutching his stopwatch,  I watched with him as he rooted for his son who had been practicing for weeks for this moment on the track.  His son didn’t win the race but did score a new personal best time on dad’s stopwatch.  Dad couldn’t have been any prouder.  Another young athlete hurried toward me after her race and couldn’t wait toshow me the piece of paper she held so tightly in her hand.  First place!  I will never forget her smile. I 'm also grateful for finally meeting a young devoted NewsChannel 9 and B104.7 fan named Joey, who deeply touched my heart and made my day at the Special Olympics extra special. I have enough hugs to last until .....  the next Special Olympics!   

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

                  - the Athlete's Oath