As Special Olympics
athletes, our families can be our greatest source of support, encouragement,
and comfort. They can play many roles for us: chauffeur, coach,
cheerleader, and as needed, drill sergeant!!! They have helped us become
the people we are today. I want to send a big "thank you" to
family and people who are like family to the athletes. As the Lebanon
County Athlete Representative, I want to acknowledge that we would not be as
successful without the support of our families and caregivers. I don't
think we give enough kudos to them since it is easier to see what the
volunteers and coaches are doing. I want to recognize this
often-overlooked part of our team! We would not have such a great team of
athletes if it wasn't for the families and caregivers being so engaged and
putting their time and effort into the Special Olympics.
The Special Olympics is
pushing us athletes to do things we've never done before, and it takes a lot of
trust and courage for you, the family members, to encourage us to try things
that we may have never thought were possible! You want the best for us
and want to protect us, but you are still cheering us to take on new physical
and mental challenges as athletes.
We are not guaranteed
gold medals, but what we are guaranteed is the opportunity to train and compete
to the best of our abilites! Always remember our Special Olympics Oath:
"Let me win, but if
I cannot win, Let me be brave in the attempt."
Thank you to our parents
and loved ones for encouraging us to be brave in our attempts, and supporting
our participation as Special Olympics athletes!
Sincerely,
Jessie Salness
Lebanon County Special
Olympics Athlete Representative
No comments:
Post a Comment