I was sad that I didn’t get to see my family last Saturday, but it worked out great because I was able to attend the Special Olympic competition and take photographs.
Unfortunately, I lost all the photographs I took during the last hour I was there. I’m not sure how which makes it even more frustrating. It’s heartbreaking because I had great photos of our residents competing and receiving their medals, and the photos are gone! They were so proud and put out such effort. The staff that is in charge of the recreation and organizing of Special Olympics for our company assured me that any photos I have are better than no photographs. I still feel bad though.
At Special Olympics last week, there was a race where there was only one competitor. I was waiting for the next race to photograph our residents that were competing. I learned a lot from the chance watching of this particular race.
The lone competitor positioned himself and waited for the gun to go off. When it did, he took off like a champion running with everything he had. His expression was the ultimate example of pure joy and intense effort. When he crossed the finish line he was met with cheers from his staff and those who didn’t know him. He was filled with pride and unbridled excitement as he stood there soaking it all in. One of the law enforcement volunteers escorted him to where he would get a drink and then wait to receive his gold medal.
As I watched this young man race with all his might, I saw that though I may not be physically and mentally challenged like he is, I did lack his heart. I may not compete alone as he did in a 50-yard dash, but I often am alone in some of my internet ventures. My age, my gender, and my lack of experience challenges me often in the world of netpreneurs.
What I learned from a Special Olympic competitor:
- Run full-speed even when there is no competition
- Give it everything I have, I could receive gold for my efforts
- Enjoy my personal moments of glory
- Look around, I’m probably not alone, there may be people I don’t know cheering me on
- If someone offers to escort me to receive my reward, I should follow
- I should refresh myself after a race well run
- When it’s time to receive my reward, step up on the platform, and accept it graciously with unrestrained joy and pride
To find out if there is a reward waiting for you at the finish line you need to run the race and put your heart into it!
