"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this
life that no man can sincerely try to help
another without helping himself."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
On Tuesday, February 26th, several of our students went to Whitefish
to volunteer with the 2013 Winter Special Olympics.
We have been participating in this service work
for the past several years, and the joy and satisfaction
experienced by our students as they join in this wonderful activity
makes being chosen to attend an especially coveted privilege.
The Special Olympics program begin in 1962, springing from a camp
at the home of Eunice Kennedy Shriver. From there, camps and
competitions gained popularity and the organization grew quickly.
In 2004 Federal funding for the program was authorized.
Today, at our local level, over 300 athletes and coaches compete
in a variety of sports over a period of three days.
We feel truly honored to be part of the Winter Special Olympics
each year as they are held in Whitefish.
Our students help with many facets of the Winter Special Olympics.
They help set up and take down the awards ceremony area.
Girls assist in the process of preparing the awards and helping athletes
prior to the ceremony, and at the actual ceremony,
they are able to present the awards and medals, thereby
experiencing the incomparable excitement and pride of the athletes.
Time spent cheering the athletes on as they compete
in a variety of events, from alpine and cross-country skiing
to snowboarding to snowshoeing,
is an especially exciting and rewarding time.
The day passes very quickly and the rewards gained
far exceed what the girls ever expected!
The Special Olympics organization relies exclusively
on volunteer participation, and without people like our Chrysalis
students, who give their time and help so cheerfully and
willingly, the immense success of the program would not be possible.
We are so proud of our students, and we are already eagerly
looking forward to helping out with next year's Winter Special Olympics!
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