Special moments to cherish

A few months ago, this column highlighted the struggles faced by the local Special Olympics movement to get some recognition for its work. Mention was also made of the organization’s pursuits in attaining the necessary funding to attend the World Summer Games in Los Angeles, California.{{more}}

To some extent, the former is seeing some light of day and of course, the latter came to fruition.

As a consequence of St Vincent and the Grenadines having attended the Games after a 10-year absence and with the relative success of the team, some national focus was thrown on the 26 special athletes and the six officials.

The hype which followed the team’s good showing by gaining medals: the VIP welcome, the kudos and a motorcade through the streets of Kingstown are the outbursts of achievements.

A moment to cherish, as it was this country’s best showing over the years of participation.

However, the subsequent results obscure the bigger picture, which was hidden in the arduous months in securing funding to attend the Games.

Indeed, members of Special Olympics SVG would relate their travails in raising the necessary financial help for the venture. A venture, which in the long run, cannot be equated by medals gained, but by the opportunities afforded to those Special athletes.

But those who worked tirelessly to make the trip a reality have shown to other organizations the meaning of tenacity, will-power and commitment.

They were determined to have the team attend and expended every iota of energy, time and all that it took to achieve their objectives.

For certain, other national sporting associations can take a cue from the Special Olympics movement and be creative in their thinking and develop ambitions of perseverance, instead of waiting on goods be delivered to them.

And, there are many other lessons which the “normal” persons in national sporting organizations can learn from the Special Olympians and their contingent.

Unlike some of the more established sporting set-ups, the party of officials to the Special Olympics, led by Janice Mc Master-O’Loughlin, made sure that regular reports and updates on the team were sent back to the local media.

A plus for her organization, as others sometimes believe it is their right to be sent to competitions and tournaments overseas, with little regard for public relations mechanisms to get pertinent information to persons back home.

Also, many may want to conclude that it is an easy passage for these Special Olympians to get selected.

It must be told that the programmes for the various disciplines are ongoing, as many know little of the processes engaged in preparing these athletes.

This, however, is not the case with the other disciplines, which, in the main, select their national representative teams from one or two good performances. Another teachable moment for the others.

Rewinding the years to 1993, St Vincent and the Grenadines participated in its first International Winter Games in the sport of floor hockey, placing second at the Games, which were held in Salzburg, Austria.

The point is that the Special Olympics movement here back then, was and is not afraid of venturing into areas of challenges and are prepared to seek out the expertise wherever.

Noteworthy is within the entire movement, these special athletes compete because they love what they do. They are not fuelled by any money, lucrative contracts or any other commercial gains, just sheer desire to compete. Is this the same with those who have all their faculties in place?

The love for the sport often transcends outwards with a touch which may only exist within those special persons.

Members of the local media at the VIP welcome on the return of the St Vincent and the Grenadines team recently got a taste of such warmth.

With spontaneity, some of the athletes took their memorabilia pins and chose to stick them on to those in attendance – a moment to be much cherished.

Also, at that function, the athletes conducted themselves admirably, unlike members of Vincy Heat, who when afforded such privilege a few months ago, were far from diplomatic in their conversations, deportment and demeanour.

The biggest lesson everyone in sports and other spheres in life should embrace is the mantra of Special Olympics: “ Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”