Seminole County Special Olympics

Special Olympics Florida hosted its Seminole County Summer Games on Saturday morning, February 16 at Lake Mary Prep School, 650 Rantoul Lane, Lake Mary, FL.

Olympians, family and friends, and volunteers began arriving shortly after 8:00 AM. Athletes competed in track, cycling, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. Due to the expert coordination of the Special Olympics, competition was not only against one another, but also against every other athlete in their division all over the state of Florida.

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

Eunice Kennedy Shriver jotted down the Special Olympics athlete oath on the morning of July 20, 1968 — just ahead of the opening of the very first Special Olympics International Games. She recited them at a brief Opening Ceremony at Chicago’s Soldier Field before the start of competition.

The words emphasize the importance of effort — and trying for one’s personal best. Nearly 50 years later, these words resonate with Special Olympics athletes: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me brave in the attempt.”

The athletes were introduced, one by one, and after the playing of our national anthem, they warmed up and the games began!

Eleven Brother Knights and two young women represented Council 5357.  We were dispatched into smaller groups that timed all the track and cycling events and made sure all the winners received their ribbons.

Worthy Grand Knight Len Breehl was given the honor of bestowing ribbon upon the winners.

The mission of Special Olympics Florida is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities who wish to participate, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

The ultimate objective of Special Olympics Florida is to help people with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society at large, by offering them a fair opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition, and by increasing the public’s awareness of their capabilities and needs.

Special Olympics Florida, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

https://specialolympicsflorida.org/