Smiles abound at Michigan games
They recite 15 words at the opening ceremonies of every competition.
“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
More than 3,000 athletes uttered those words in unison Thursday at Kelly/Shorts Stadium to kick off the Special Olympics Michigan 2006 State Summer Games.
They then spent the next two days living by them.
“I think for the athletes, it is more important that they are here,” said Lou Grebetz, a coach from Brighton.
More than 2,000 coaches and volunteers also were on hand throughout the weekend, which included competitions all day Friday and Saturday and a closing ceremony and victory dance Friday evening.
Throughout the weekend the athletes ran their fastest, threw their hardest and laughed their loudest, reminding many of the true meaning of sports.
They were not only there to win; they were there to have fun.
During the events it was not an uncommon sight to see teammates and coaches cheering for the competing teams. Smiles lit the faces of almost every competitor, no matter how they fared in the event. It was a sports competition fueled by an overwhelming attitude of positivity.
And there were plenty of hugs to go around.
“It is a competitive event but the most important thing is that they’re having fun,” said Richard Wallace, a coach from Mount Clemens.
Athletes competed – and had fun – in many events, including weightlifting, volleyball, bocce ball and handball.
And in the end, after all the medals and awards were handed out, the athletes left just as they arrived – with smiles.
