Be a Fan of Special Olympics

The 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games are in Athens, Greece, right now (June 25-July 4). I wrote before about Special Olympics and how “Special Olympians Can Inspire Us All.”

I love the Special Olympics athlete oath:

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

“Let Me Be Brave” Word-Art Freebie

I think that so clearly reflects the true intent of the Olympic creed:

The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well. – Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games

“The Most Important Thing” Word-Art Freebie

That original intent sometimes seems to get a bit lost in the sponsorships and high money stakes involved in the outcome of many Olympic sports. But that resolve is still very much alive in the Special Olympics.

Here’s a quote from one of the Special Olympics World Summer Games competitors that reflects the true spirit of the Olympics:

It does not matter if I win or lose, but that I have a good attitude. – Jennifer Ruley, Virginia’s bocce athlete

Here are a couple of short but inspirational Special Olympics videos:

Special Olympics Athens 2011 PSA

Be a Fan of Special Olympics

To be a fan, check out SpecialOlympics.org, Special Olympics on Facebook, and Special Olympics World Games on Facebook.