Inspiring Things Said At Special O
The Special Olympics are here in Mount Pleasant. Where we celebrate intellectually disabled athletes and their accomplishments. They are truly some of the nicest, friendliest people you'll ever meet -- and perhaps, the most dedicated Pistons fans as well. We're all truly moved by their dedication and courage -- but not really, here's my highlight of the weekend so far.
Working the Robinson front desk -- which in of itself brings back odd memories -- the day before the athletes move in. An Area Director approaches me at the desk, these area directors are people who dedicated a good chunk of their time, love, and energy setting up these games for the athletes. The assumed definition of selflessness. This AD talks to me about simple things, how they need more mattress pads, trying to figure out room assignments -- simple, everyday deskie stuff. Then, she quietly stands off to the side of the desk, as if contemplating some crazy rooming problem. She then starts ranting:
"We have this athlete who does shot putt. It took her 7 years, but we finally got her to do the right form (she mimics placing her hand under her chin and heaving the ball), but after she releases the ball and it has landed, she grunts. I had my husband demonstrate to them that if you grunt while throwing the ball, you release more energy and it goes farther. But no, she throws the ball, waits for it to land, then grunts. . . .That's why this is the fuckin' Special Olympics."
A friend of mine related this inspirational quote from last year's Special O:
Two athletes are in the lobby, clearly happy to see each other again. They are talking excitedly, screaming, laughing, cheering, jumping, smiling. Their joy is almost contagious. The coach of these two athletes turns to my friend: "That is gonna cause me to drink."
This is why we work Special O -- to feel better about ourselves.
Working the Robinson front desk -- which in of itself brings back odd memories -- the day before the athletes move in. An Area Director approaches me at the desk, these area directors are people who dedicated a good chunk of their time, love, and energy setting up these games for the athletes. The assumed definition of selflessness. This AD talks to me about simple things, how they need more mattress pads, trying to figure out room assignments -- simple, everyday deskie stuff. Then, she quietly stands off to the side of the desk, as if contemplating some crazy rooming problem. She then starts ranting:
"We have this athlete who does shot putt. It took her 7 years, but we finally got her to do the right form (she mimics placing her hand under her chin and heaving the ball), but after she releases the ball and it has landed, she grunts. I had my husband demonstrate to them that if you grunt while throwing the ball, you release more energy and it goes farther. But no, she throws the ball, waits for it to land, then grunts. . . .That's why this is the fuckin' Special Olympics."
A friend of mine related this inspirational quote from last year's Special O:
Two athletes are in the lobby, clearly happy to see each other again. They are talking excitedly, screaming, laughing, cheering, jumping, smiling. Their joy is almost contagious. The coach of these two athletes turns to my friend: "That is gonna cause me to drink."
This is why we work Special O -- to feel better about ourselves.