"Let me win, but If I cannot win, let me be brave."
These words tell a story that needs to have a wider appeal. They are the watchwords of persons involved in Special Olympics, and it signifies the importance of giving everyone a chance and of people believing in each other even against odds.
Our Special Olympics celebrated 33 years of hosting their annual games over the weekend with over 650 athletes participating. It was an occasion that those who made the time and the effort to witness will remember for the rest of their lives or at least until next year's event. There is just a rare and unbridled innocence about these athletes that can make you stand up and take notice and in some cases make you reflect on life and cry.
There were persons at these Special Olympics, who are differently abled, but were smiling, laughing and sharing fun moments with their friends and competitors. There were others that while they appeared pensive were equally determined.
Whatever else, it was easily identifiable that these two days meant a lot to the athletes and their coaches. There were a number of teams from all over the country, and the sense of competitiveness was audible by the pleasant banter between the teams.
So on a bright morning, illuminated by the exuberance of these sons and daughters of T&T, it was the words of one of the long serving and hardworking volunteers in this event, Randy Halfhide that is important, when he called on society to be careful in using words to describe people, as we are all human beings with special skills given to us by God. It was both practical and also realistic and half hide sought to correct those who may have forgotten the significance and importance that Special Olympics brought to the lives of many, including parents and family members.
The feature address by His Excellency President Anthony Carmona, was a rousing affair, as he sought to ignite the flame of the athletes by tales of his history with some of the homes when he was only 12 and how much the Carmelite sisters role in caregiving should not ever be taken for granted.
President Carmona stated he was under "the weather" but was determined to fulfill his obligation to open this glorious event, and when he finished the weather got brighter and hope for this country was again slightly renewed. The smiles on the faces of the athletes as the President walked and shook their hands were priceless. Some of us had to look away, because all the pain of misunderstanding persons who were uniquely different but equally able finally dawned on some.
T&T needs these Special Olympians. It is a pity that most politicians seem to be oblivious to this, perhaps it is because there is no great fanfare, no bright lights, not enough cameras, or something worst. But to listen to official's state that the last Minister of Sport to attend the annual Special Olympics was Gary Hunt, says as much as it says little for those Sports Ministers since Hunt left the office in 2010.
Chairman of Special Olympics, Candilla Berment-Harper was clear in her approach to widen the scope of the sport by ensuring that society understands the importance of sharing these moments with athletes. This is a soft spoken but tough lady with a lot of character and drive. This country needs a lot more sports administrators like that in key positions. Her positive demeanor seemed to galvanise the team.
Ferdinand Bibby is a tough looking man, who would seem better equipped for dealing with officers at a military camp. However, he is the National Director and a man versed in all aspects of Special Olympics. His role is and has been essential for these games to not only materialise but to be the success it is. Bibby was always available to ensure the events progressed not only smoothly but efficiently.
So whether it was basketball, equestrian, volleyball, bocce, swimming or track and field, all participants enjoyed themselves. Perhaps they like me would have been disappointed by the lack of citizens from this country in attendance, but honestly you could not tell.
In volleyball and basketball, these athletes played fierce but fair and despite falls and spills, dusted themselves up for more battles. After all life has been a battle for most, particularly from society so for so many to have the tenacity to play these sports should not surprise us.
In the swimming pools, many of the young swimmers demonstrated an overwhelming confidence in their ability and little or no fear of water, the only doubt, being to wait on the decisions in some of the close contests. While in football, the individual skills competition was a pleasure to behold.
It was truly a memorable weekend with this entertaining and caring sporting event occurring at many venues. As I watched the proud expressions on the faces of parents and the many care givers, it is good to reflect on our society, and the fact, that we have among us persons who willingly volunteer their time and energy for free with their reward only being the joy in the hearts of those competing at these Special Olympic Games.