Anyone who knows my husband knows that he does a lot of fundraising....a LOT! Well, now it's my turn. Let me tell you why....
Quite a few years ago - Jason started doing volunteer work with Special Olympics Arizona through work. He was involved in the Summer Games at first - and Ethan was little so I didn't go with him - but I know he fell in love quite quickly - so his involvement increased - and soon he was on the Games Management Team, Running the Healthy Athletes program for the Summer Games, playing Unified Golf and teaching in the Athletes Leadership Program (ALPS) and volunteering at many other events. I was still on the fringe, helping when I could.
Early this year, we were honored by the Arizona delegation with an invitation to be Honored Guests at the Special Olympic National Games in New Jersey. We began to plan our trip and while I was not sure what to expect - there was no way I could be prepared for my experience.
The day before the games started - we took the red eye to New Jersey - we flew into Newark and were able to attend a Welcome Reception prior to the Opening Ceremonies. While we were not part of it - there had been 2 full days of Cessna Air Drops bringing in Delegations from every state in the US - truly amazing. The Welcome Reception was a ton of fun - we were dead tired - but we got to meet so many people from other states - and I even got to meet a Kennedy.
The Opening Ceremonies were beyond amazing, watching the Parade of States, hearing stories from man of the participants, watching the "show", hearing the athletes take the Olympic Oath and seeing the Olympic Flame and cauldron lighting -just being in the arena was quite an experience. I was so honored to be able to be there.
Part of the Olympic Games is the Healthy Athlete Village - all participants can come here and get basic health screenings and information free of charge. They have practitioners in hearing, eye health, Podiatry, dental health , nutrition/Fitness and even concussion screenings.
These were our two tour guides - they are Athlete Ambassadors
We spent some time each day visiting the venues and watching the competitions - these Athletes train for years to participate on this national stage - and they are some of the most talented Athletes you will ever meet.
However, near the end of the week Jason and I had the most impactful experience. I would defiantly say it was one of the most amazing things that I have ever had the opportunity to participate in. As Honored Guests of a delegation - we had the opportunity to participate in medal ceremonies. We chose to present medals in Golf and Gymnastics. Presenting medals to these athletes was truly life changing. They face daily challenges that you and I can't even imagine - yet they go out and compete with the desire to win, just like anyone else. I have rarely seen the pure joy that I witnessed that day as I gave out these medals.
This is a golf ream from Arizona
So - please help me support the Special Olympics by donating to Over the Edge. Why $1000? Because that is the cost to support two athletes for an entire year at Special Olympics. There are over 16,000 Athletes in the state of Arizona alone, and all services are free of charge to these participants.
You are probably thinking that this endeavor is a little on the crazy side but I am dedicated to challenging myself just as the athletes of Special Olympics do on a daily basis.
Oh, did I mention that I am doing this dressed as The Wicked Witch of the West??????
So, please donate if you can, what you can!
Help me change a life!
http://2014overtheedge.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1097101&lis=1&kntae1097101=939363BA7CAA45079956FC5EBC5F909B&supId=414320421&team=0&nmv=true
