Carrying the Torch for Others
June 21, 2006 -
John Edwards
Last week's front page carried an unexceptional photograph of an
exceptional event - police officers jogging onto the Newport
News approach of the James River Bridge, carrying an Olympic
torch.
The photograph touched me personally, as similar ones have in years
past, because they are proclamations of support for the Special
Olympics program, one of this nation's most noble projects.
Here are the young police officers, physically trim and in the
prime of youth, carrying a torch for those who can't - showing
their support for some of the finest people in the world, the
mentally and physically handicapped people who live around us.
The annual run to Richmond by police officers draws attention to
the Virginia Special Olympics Summer Games held each June at the
University of Richmond. Nor is the only run for the
Olympics program. Officers throughout the United States
participate in carrying torches to the sites of state games and
then to a national Special Olympics.
Once the torch arrives at the site of the Olympics, it is picked up
by a handicapped participant, and that too is symbolic, for
while these people, youngsters and adults alike, gladly accept
the help of others, they want nothing more than to do for
themselves. And the Olympics give them that chance.
Athletes who participate in Special Olympics take
an oath before each event that says volumes about the program:
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the
attempt."
That's what has always impressed me about those
with a handicap, either mental or physical - their bravery.
They face tasks every day that are nothing for most of us -
caring for themselves, managing money, fixing meals. Come
to think of it, maybe we "normal" people don't do those things
very well, either. |
Smithfield police officers Pablo Finelli, Bob Fox and Jared
Vance ran from the Suffolk line across the James River Bridge
into Newport News as part of the Special Olympics torch relay.
The trio, accompanied across the bridge by two Marines, ran a
total of almost 10 miles.
Be that as
is may, these indeed "special" people and the Special Olympics
are an event that many of them look forward to year after year.
I know because our oldest daughter Beth participates. She
loves swimming and with the help of a dedicated coach in
Chesterfield County, where she lives, she participates each year
in regional Special Olympic swim meets. A couple times,
including this year, she has participated in the state event.
Nothing makes her prouder than the ribbons and medals she has won
over the years. They hold an honored place in her room,
and in her heart. And those who organize and support
Special Olympics hold a special place in our hearts as well.
So, to all the volunteers who make this very special program
possible, including the local police officers who every year
carry the torch for some very special people, "thank you".
You're making life more meaningful for some truly wonderful
people, and that's important work.
To
learn more about the Special Olympics program in Virginia, tale
a look at their website at
www.specialolympicsva.org or call them at (800) 932-GOLD. |
