I had the wonderful fortune last month to witness nearly 3,000 athletes enter Hilton Arena in Ames, Iowa, for the first-ever 2006 U.S. Special Olympic Games. I had never been to a Special Olympics event but had heard from many people that it is an amazing experience. It certainly was. As thousands of athletes streamed into the arena to the sounds of uplifting Olympic-style music, the crowd of close to 10,000 families, friends, and dignitaries welcomed the athletes with a hearty round of applause each time a new State was introduced.

It is inspiring to know that the primary focus of the Special Olympics is on physical activity and optimal health -- transforming individuals with intellectual disabilities into participants rather than observers -- engaging them in healthy lifestyles through the medium of sports and physical activity so that that they can lead full and productive lives.

Read the entire column at http://www.ncpad.org/395/2169/2006-08~Issue~~Special~Olympics~Makes~Its~Mark~in~Ames
~~Iowa.