Last night was my 14th opening ceremony for Tennessee Special Olympics. ..and it is an addiction that I wish more Nashvillians would catch. Over 1000 Special Olympic athletes from across the state gathered in Allen Arena on Lipscomb University's campus for a night of celebration and inspiration.
Producing an event like this involves a host of volunteers and professionals, many of whom receive little or no recognition for their efforts year after year. The Bradfield Company and Brantley Sound Associates did a superb job with lighting and sound...these people deliver consistent quality every year, amazing! Trish, Jamie, Barry, and a long list of people at Lipscomb worked tirelessly to make things move smoothy...gracious individuals throughout the organization, Lipscomb should be very proud of the way their people perform even with tight schedules.
The committee of volunteers for the opening ceremonies, the sponsors (Outback catered this year - WOW!), the Tennessee Special Olympics staff, and several hundred coaches should receive well deserved hugs for all they did to make this happen.
Most of all, this event was about athletes who are very different from the high profile people that we see on television. Special Olympians work hard to get to this event, in many ways harder than other, more physically adept athletes. They are truly an inspiring group.
This year, Kaia Jorgenson spoke to the group about the heart of a champion...if you know anything about Kaia's story, then you know that her conversation with these athletes was of the heart-to-heart variety. This tall, elegant young woman walked to the podium to a house full of appreciative (and many teary-eyed) fans. Amazing! There aren't adequate words...I'll have to go again next year, perhaps the words will come.
One of Nashville's own won Athlete of the Year honors... I do not remember his name, but I do remember his impressive acceptance speech and the manner in which he celebrated with his family and team. Congratulations all!...and Thank You to all those who volunteered!