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The Special Olympics Athlete Oath is:

“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Thursday morning, I attended the First Annual Special Olympics Breakfast with Champions at the Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort in Scottsdale.  Part fundraiser, part motivation, and definitely a celebration of the Special Olympic athletes, especially those who just returned from competing in the Bejing World Games.

Turnout was excellent and I don’t think they could have packed another table in the expansive dining hall.  Our table included Dr. John Baracy, Superintendent of the Scottsdale Unified School District, Lois Healey, Director of Special Education for Scottsdale, and parents of children with special needs.  Many were in attendance, including Sheriff Joe, local legislators, the Thunderbirds, and hundreds of business people from around the valley.

The event was MC’d by Daron Sutton, voice of the Arizona Diamondbacks  and MLB blogger, who has a great voice, commanding presence, and plenty of funny stories about his sports and journalism career, as well as being the son of legend pitcher, Don Sutton. 

For the main course, NFL referee Jim Tunney, inspired us with his history, as an educator,  referee, writer, and as a Special Olympic volunteer of almost 30 years.  Jim, with an Ed. D., worked as a teacher, principal, and district superintendent.  With a 40-year career in sports officiating, Jim said his greatest game was the Superbowl held in the Rose Bowl, not far from the small California town he grew up in.  Jim is a former President of the National Speakers Association and author of many books.  The title of his latest book, “It’s the Will, Not the Skill” was a perfect match for the venue.

Closing out the morning program, “The Positive Side of Sports” host Roy Garibaldi, interviewed families, athletes, and service providers, while drawing the audience into the vision of athletes, volunteers, and community support.  Some of the facts about Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ) include:

• More than 9,100 athletes
• 24 sports
• Over 170 competitions held annually
• SOAZ pays for all training and competition costs
• 50% of Special Olympic athletes are employed, where as only 10% of intellectually disabled who do not participate are employed
• Special Olympics Arizona is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization solely supported by donations
• 76% of every dollar goes to programs for the Special Olympics Arizona athletes

The morning was inspirational, and the mantra that was repeatedly planted throughout the morning, still resonates in my head “I am Special Olympics Arizona.”