Beyond our imagination
Attending the national games was beyond our imagination. We've attended our daughter's Special Olympic games since she started participating, and this event was outstanding.
To see the looks on the faces of the athletes as they walked into the Opening Ceremonies was memorable. Watching them whether they won or lost and still seeing excitement in their faces told you that just being there was a joy.
My daughter commented to me that as they were walking down the street one day, she heard fans yelling "Go Team Nebraska." She said they felt very special.
Bruce and Diane Fields, Omaha
Frosting on the cake
Wow! What a week we had in Lincoln beginning July 18 and ending with memories lasting for a long time to come.
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Our family has been involved with local and state Special Olympics for over 30 years. This was the frosting on the cake.
Thanks to everyone who was so very generous of their time, talents and resources. For all of this and more, we are grateful.
Arliene and Joe Kobza, Lincoln
Memories to cherish
A big thank you to the people of Lincoln for the awesome job they did hosting the Special Olympics National Games.
When we drove into town after a 16-hour drive and our vehicle was overheating, we parked it to let it cool down while we went to the Opening Ceremonies, thinking that all would be fine after it had a chance to cool down. However, that was not the case.
After the ceremonies we drove to our hotel, and again it overheated. Looking under the hood we found that it was spraying fluid out and concluded it had a leak in the radiator. Thinking that we are strangers in the city and don't know a good reliable, honest mechanic, we feared we would be taken to the cleaners. After calling some people from our church and going on the Internet, we found a mechanic who fixed our vehicle. The mechanic was fair and honest with us, and we appreciate that more than words can tell.
Then the next day I developed a staph infection in both my legs. The medical personnel at our venue went to great lengths to take care of me. They called a medical management team to take me to urgent care, where I was able to get the care and medication I needed.
My daughter was in the swimming event, and she had an awesome time. Thank you to all the volunteers who made her time in Nebraska so special. The memories she has from Nebraska and the competition are something she will always cherish.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Janice Deelstra and family, Lewiston, Utah
Coaches dedicated
Our grandson, Cory Ford, had the honor of representing Team Nebraska in the 2010 Special Olympics held in Lincoln last week. We want to thank his swimming coaches who worked with him and gave him so much support and love.
We do not know their names, but we do know that they show exceptional skill and dedication to our Special Olympians. We cannot thank them enough! The many volunteers were great and kept the athletes and events moving smoothly. Without them it would have been chaos.
We would also like to thank the many corporate sponsors that helped to make the games possible. The city of Lincoln did a wonderful job of welcoming the teams from all over the country and contributing to the success of the games.
Kudos to the Lincoln Journal Star for your coverage of the games. We were able to get some great pictures from your website.
John and Sally Swanson, Omaha
Inspired by Roddick
I was on the tennis team representing Nebraska.
I have a story to share about a special time for me while there.
Our tennis team had the pleasure of meeting and talking personally with Andy Roddick and spending some time with him.
After I talked with him, I decided to make a book entitled "What would Andy do" to help me in tennis matches.
I made a list of all the things my coaches had told me and some I thought of.
Coach Phil and I are making it into a book and will use it to help in our practices in the future.
Tina Maxwell, Omaha
Praise for all
I am a coordinator for the Nebraska Chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association International, better known as NSAI.
Our group made a CD especially for the Special Olympics, and it really went beyond our dreams for its success.
We played a number of shows for the events and attended quite a few events as well.
It is hard to put into words how these athletes make you feel. They treat you the way you want to be treated, with love, respect and the feeling that you made a difference in their lives. That is something I will never forget. I am happy I was a part of this great event.
Lincoln is to be praised for what it was able to do for this enormous event and the local staff who worked so hard to pull this off.
I am without words to praise those who helped make everyone feel so welcome and loved. A lot of folks, athletes as well, told me they thought this was one of the better events they had attended.
And thank you to the Journal Star for your great articles and covers. You did an outstanding job, I felt.
Robert M. DeBusk, Eagle
Marvelous volunteers
I would like to offer my heartiest congratulations to the city of Lincoln and state of Nebraska for doing such a great job on the National Special Olympics. A lot of planning and time went into making this one of the best happenings ever in Lincoln.
This effort was possible because of all the marvelous volunteers from Lincoln, around the state and around the country. Many volunteers came from out of town to make this event spectacular.
I would also like to offer my thanks to corporate Nebraska for supporting these games. Without their generous donations and allowing their employees to take time off to volunteer, this probably would never have happened.
A young lady from Texas named Heather told me she was having so much fun that she wanted to stay longer. She then told me a story about where she worked that left me heartbroken. She enjoyed her place of employment until the people she worked with found out she participated in the Special Olympics. Upon hearing this, the people she worked with started teasing her and using the "R" word when talking to her.
If you had not known that she was competing in Special Olympics, you probably would not have known she was developmentally disabled. I am glad the people in Nebraska were able to make her feel special, and believe me, she was. She was unbelievably focused while she was bowling.
The delegates, family and athletes I talked to at the closing ceremonies explained to me what a great time they had while in Lincoln. Most of them told me that they would love to come back to Lincoln in four years and do this all over again.
The ones who had attended the first National Games in Ames, Iowa, said that these games were better organized and the volunteers were unbelievable. Anyway, all involved can give themselves a much deserved pat on the back. They made many peoples' dreams come true. And what in life is more fun than that?
Paul Portsche, Lincoln
Proud of Nebraska
I have been a proud Nebraskan all my life but never prouder than during two weeks in July 2010. I say two weeks because I watched, heard stories and reveled in the way my home state welcomed first the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg then all the Special Olympic athletes, their coaches, escorts and families.
From the time the Torch Run crossed the Bob Kerrey Bridge on July 11 to July 24 when the last of the athletes departed Lincoln, our capital city and the entire state put their "best foot forward." To learn that more volunteers stepped forward than were needed does not surprise me. Thanks for everyone who helped.
As the mother of a Special Olympic athlete I know just how special each and every athlete is. God has bestowed upon them unique gifts, and they share liberally, giving much more than they get. Many times I have wished more could learn of how the athletes and their fans can be truly great!
Thanks goes out also to the Lincoln Journal Star for your great coverage. When those of us in outstate Nebraska could not be there to witness all the events, ceremonies and games, you did a wonderful job of sharing the stories, especially the personal ones.
This summer will be an unforgettable one for our son and our entire family thanks to more people than we will ever know.
We met many from U.S. Special Olympics, Special Olympics Nebraska, everyone involved in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, athletes, parents, news reporters and more people than I can ever mention. Top notch people every one!
As a family we never dreamed we would someday see Evan tour the state helping to carry the Flame of Hope and light the cauldron to begin the National Games. We appreciate each one over the years who has made this possible.
God bless you all.
Janet Davis, Tilden
Life-changing week
I signed up to volunteer for the Special Olympics National Games last November. When I graduated from college this May I realized that working this event made it difficult to start a job in July. I put off the start date of my new job until the beginning of August, and I have never been so happy to have done so.
I worked six days of this event getting the opportunity to watch and meet athletes at flag football, track and field and soccer. I met so many amazing athletes, coaches and families who were so happy just to be at this event.
Throughout the games I got many thank yous for volunteering to which I had trouble responding. I feel I should be the one thanking our visitors.
Never have I worked an event where I have felt so happy to be there. The enthusiasm, love and joy shown were truly contagious. Every night I went home exhausted, but with a huge smile, and always excited to go back the next day.
From trading pins to looking to see who had won which medals and ribbons, to watching Team Oregon score its first goal in soccer, it was a huge honor.
So thank you to all the wonderful and talented athletes, coaches and the supportive families who gave me the opportunity to have a life-changing week. See you in four years.
Sarah Macomber, Bothell, Wash.
Gracious community
I was an assistant coach in volleyball with Special Olympics Team Alabama. On behalf of my team and fellow coaches, I would like to thank Lincoln for the wonderful job it did in hosting the Special Olympics National Games. Everyone was so kind and helped to make our visit there one we will never forget.
I would especially like to thank the entire community for being so gracious. Thank you to the many volunteers, especially the people who worked the volleyball site at the Abbott Sports Complex, and the many police and transportation people who made our trip so easy.
The community made these Special Olympics National Games a memory that will last a lifetime.
Barbie Nelson, Dothan, Ala.
Many emotions
Volunteering for Special Olympics was something my heart told me to do. I am of an age that I remember when Eunice Kennedy Shriver started this program. I have always admired her for championing what her heart told her to do.
I volunteered at the bowling venue as a logistics assistant or runner. Not much running to be done, so I valued the opportunity to visit with visitors and parents of the Special Olympians, and to offer my support. They were pleased when I told them how much Lincoln and the state valued and appreciated hosting the games.
No one told me to bring tissues for the emotions I would feel: happiness, admiration, joy and just plain pleasure in watching the athletes rejoice in all their accomplishments. Such spontaneity. I can see why there was such a large turnout for volunteering at this Special Olympics.
I thank the Special Olympics committee for this opportunity. This is an experience I shall remember and treasure for the rest of my life.
Sharon Roberts, Lincoln
The time of his life
My brother-in-law lives with me. He is second in a line of 13 children whom he helped raise. In his time, disabled or challenged people were kept home so as not to bother other people. He now lives with me and has come into his own with all that the Special Olympics has to offer. He is 67 years old and his name is Bert Willey.
He was lucky enough to be chosen from Grand Island. He did not necessarily care if he won or lost, and that is not a bad thing. He was so proud to just be a part of every aspect - the torch run, the Opening Ceremonies, meeting so many people just like him. This was the biggest moment of his life and he knew it.
Lincoln really rolled out the red carpet for people who are used to getting far less and are the most grateful. The people of Lincoln should be applauded for the level of work and the happiness that was given in that week.
Bert came home with so many clothes, medals, teeth cleaned and new glasses, but most of all a sense of pride and belonging. No longer do we keep them home, we let them show that out of 12 brothers and sisters he made the Olympics! And not a one of them can say that.
Thank you Lincoln, Special Olympics, coach Kelly Davis and all the wonderful volunteers who gave my brother-in-law the time of his life.
Dawn Willey, Grand Island
Why I did it
When I was asked to be part of the basketball venue almost a year ago, I had a hard time understanding exactly what I was getting myself into. Monthly and bi-monthly meetings began to add up, and I again asked myself why exactly I was doing this. However, after one amazing, spectacular and fantastic week I can tell you why:
I did it for the father from Louisiana who hugged me as he left saying, "Thank you for everything."
I did it for Lauren from Team Indiana, who kissed my cheek as she left and said, "Thanks, Trouble."
I did it for the athlete from Louisiana who thanked me for his lunch (as I had just served him another sandwich for the third day in a row). He told me it was "wonderful."
I did it for the countless volunteers who daily encouraged me, each other, the athletes and the coaches. I am proud to call Lincoln home.
I did it for the athlete from Florida who wrote me after returning home, "It was great meeting you. Thank you for everything. God Bless."
That is why I did what I did, and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
"God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you?" - William Arthur Ward.
Thank you to the special individuals of Special Olympics 2010.
Molly Trumble, Raymond
What a blessing
I volunteered to help with Special Olympics but was not needed.
Instead, my week ended up much different than if I would have volunteered.
I went out to the airport the morning the athletes were arriving by plane and stood next to Joey Barncord's family (Joey is the athlete from Florida the Lincoln Journal Star followed all week). Meeting that family made the time at the airport so much more fun. We were so excited and anxious with each plane that landed with high hopes of seeing Joey step out of the plane.
On Wednesday night, my daughter, son-in-law and I went down to Olympic Village. I think I was more proud of these young adults than I have ever been. My son-in-law played pool and guitar hero with several of the athletes. Both of them played volleyball with the athletes and loved the camaraderie formed with each of the athletes. My daughter grew up playing volleyball, and these Special Olympics athletes were teaching her how to "pass" and "serve" the ball better.
I met up and visited with Joey's family for quite some time while at Olympic Village that night.
On Thursday, I took some time off work to go sit with the family and watch Joey race. He got third place.
Sunday morning, Joey's grandparents called to tell me they had a great week and wanted to say goodbye before they left Nebraska. I now have Joey's mom as a Facebook friend, and I imagine we will keep in touch for quite some time.
What a blessing the week was to us fans, the athletes, their families, volunteers and the entire community.
Roxanne Suesz, Lincoln
No honor can compare
I have been a golf course superintendent for 35 years. In that time I have received some personal honors and professional honors. However, none can compare with the honor I received this past week at Mahoney Golf Course.
We at Mahoney Golf Course had the privilege of hosting two levels of golf competition for the Special Olympics. On Wednesday, I was given the honor of presenting a gold medal to one of the special athletes. For me it was truly a humbling experience, and one I will not soon forget.
Lincoln should be very honored for being selected to host this national event. To get to meet and watch the athletes, their families and friends and the many volunteers was an experience of a lifetime.
I would like to thank the people of the Special Olympics for the honor.
Alan Culver, Lincoln, superintendent,
Mahoney Golf Course
So impressed
Last week, I was in Lincoln attending the 2010 Special Olympics National Games watching my daughter compete in bocce. I am so impressed with your city!
Your community support for this event was amazing. The volunteers I met and conversed with were awesome. The retail establishments were welcoming. Thank you, Lincoln, for supporting our athletes and their entourages.
Lisa Vala, Plymouth, Minn.
Heartwarming
I am a physical therapy student and volunteered at the FunFitness booth of Healthy Athletes in Pershing Center. This experience was so touching to interact with all of the athletes and their coaches.
I performed screening tests that gave a good indication of the athletes' flexibility, balance and endurance. I was absolutely amazed at the gratitude, respect and excitement displayed by the athletes and coaches. My interaction with the athletes was minimal, but I wanted to congratulate all those who participated.
I had one athlete who informed me that he could do the splits when he first sat down at my station. I was pretty skeptical of this and began my tests. He was outstanding and proceeded to show us that he could not only do the splits but place his foot behind his head!
These athletes reminded me of the small things in life to be proud of and to smile as often as possible. The pride that the athletes displayed in the small tasks such as balance, strength and flexibility was so heart-warming. Small examples likes this probably occurred every day all over Lincoln and touched many others like myself.
The fellow volunteers in my shift all shared the same sentiments, and we were extremely proud of the services that we were able to provide to these outstanding athletes.
Nicole Ciecior, Omaha
Welcomed with open arms
While we were not part of the fly-in culminating in the arrival of Harrison Ford, who piloted his own plane with a group from Albuquerque, N.M., we were welcomed into Nebraska's Capital City with open arms and gracious help.
Once more, this old lady experienced a great event, thanks to a granddaughter, Betsy, who is on the South Dakota soccer team out of Brookings. It was doubly exciting for me in that I got to spend time with my "adopted sister" and great friend, Clarice, in her home in Lincoln after we picked up our blue shopping bags filled with our necessary tickets and treats.
Opening ceremonies on Sunday afternoon were spectacular! Imagine 3,600 athletes from 47 states ready to participate in 13 different events, all filing into the Bob Devaney Sports Center, state by state. The South Dakota delegation of athletes and their coaches wore bright yellow shirts and all carried small state flags they waved to the audience.
The most-showy delegation came from Maryland, all wearing red "crab hats" on their head. I wish I knew how or where the Alabama delegation of more than 100 got all those black and white, hounds-tooth checked hats made famous by coach Bear Bryant. But they all had them.
"We've rolled out the red carpet, we've rolled out the red sunglasses, and we're ready for an exciting week," Gov. Dave Heineman said in welcoming. Eddie Barbanell, a Special Olympics athlete from Florida and co-star of the 2005 movie, "The Ringer," which featured Special Olympics athletes, led them in their oath: "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
Sandi Patti gave us goose bumps when she sang her version of our national anthem. The Jars of Clay group was popular with the younger crowd during the program that included other celebrities and dignitaries.
Tim Shriver, son of the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics, told the crowd he felt honored, grateful, emotional "and ready." He said he was thrilled to have the games in Nebraska, a state with a pioneer spirit. "A state of trailblazers, like my mother."
She saw obstacles everywhere when she started the Special Olympics, he said. And no one, he said, believed her. But she believed in the athletes. And these games. "Are we ready to let these games begin?" Shriver challenged. "Are we ready to say those words my mother said?" The response was loud and strong.
Evan Davis, a track and field competitor from Nebraska, held the torch in the air to ignite the silver cauldron. Sparks flew and the flame shot high. The Flame of Hope, and Shriver was heard to say, "What a moment!"
The participants and their coaches returned to their dorms on the UNL campus to relax and get ready for the week of games ahead. Betsy is thrilled to be "at college" with her two roommates. Families followed their own pursuits.
My hostess drove to the beautiful Sunken Gardens, and we spent a lovely evening. We were too late for the Shakespeare play being performed by a group of young people, but we could watch the players and see the audience response from afar. We chatted with some of the people who strolled by our vantage point beside the soothing waterfall.
Though we have been there before, this was especially enchanting with so many people from many different cultural backgrounds, their different clothing blending in with so many plants I have never seen.
Because we are a farming family with chores and fieldwork at home, the "kids" picked me up at noon on Monday so I could join them in our team's opening competitions in the afternoon on the way home. They had enjoyed some of the softball games in the morning. And word came that South Dakota had won the first gold medal of the games in the track and field competition.
It was a great event in that the people of Lincoln have left no stone unturned to make their visitors welcome. I had positioned myself on the bleachers when a young lady appeared behind me with a souvenir backpack containing sunscreen. Would you believe they had more volunteers signed in to help with the various activities than were needed? What spirit!
Win or lose, the real heroes of these games are the coaches and the chaperones. These are truly dedicated, caring individuals. It's hard enough to work with any group of individuals but especially challenging when not everyone can comprehend the instructions, can't remember the rules, have to be reminded over and over to "drink plenty of water and stay in the shade."
And then they check the water bottles to make sure, pin hair back, wash socks, help cut the meat, spray cooling mist, remind them to brush their teeth, help them call home, and even jump on the beds I am told.
But the most important of all, the high-fives, the pats on the shoulders and the genuine hugs and hugs and hugs. Bless them all!
Chrys Daniel, Madison, S.D.
Time just flew by
I had the honor of volunteering on July 16 at Duncan Aviation when the athletes arrived. I was an escort who was on a team of two. There were 10 of us altogether, and we all took turns.
Sometimes it got to where we were all wanting to escort at the same time, because the athletes were so appreciative, excited and pumped up. Even with the HOT weather and standing on the hot tarmac, it was worth every minute to me to see those smiling faces, giving us hugs, thank yous and high fives. We all joked, laughed and had such a great day that the time just flew by. This will be a memory in my heart forever.
Becky Valentine, Lincoln
A wonderful experience
One of our highlights (and there have been many!) at the National Special Olympic Games was the overwhelming hospitality of the Lincoln citizens. From the hordes of volunteers who greeted us at the airport and at the venues, to the helpful folks who opened doors, asked us if we needed directions, pointed out the best local places to eat, and passed up a penny in the checkout lane, to the high school students who came out to play one of our basketball teams and then gave them a standing ovation, we have been so impressed by the friendly and welcome citizens of this city. Thank you Lincoln citizens for hosting the Special Olympics and making this overall a wonderful experience for all of your visitors. We are humbled by Lincoln's outpouring of warmth and generosity to all of us in the Special Olympics community.
Steve and Suzanne Ivans, Ringoes, N.J.
Warm and great hosts
As a parent and also a coach of a Special Olympics athlete, I want to thank the people of Lincoln for rolling out the RED carpet for all of the Special Olympic athletes from around our great nation.
I was a spectator at the games and a visitor to this fine city. I found the people of Lincoln to be very gracious and welcoming. The news coverage was superb and the most I have ever seen for any Special Olympics competition.
Thank you, Lincoln, as well as all of Nebraska, for being such warm and great hosts of the 2010 Special Olympics U.S. National Games.
Doug Strohkirch, Crystal, Minn.
Truly impressed
Congratulations and thank you to the citizens of Lincoln, Lancaster County and the state of Nebraska. On behalf of the delegation of athletes, coaches and delegates from Special Olympics Kansas, I would like to extend our sincerest thank you for the recently completed 2010 National Special Olympics Games. You were an outstanding host and provided a very positive and memorable experience for the athletes.
We were truly impressed by the volunteer outcropping of support and the cordial and helpful manner in which each and every individual presented themselves. There is something genuinely unique about the quality of individuals who reside in the Midwest, and I appreciate them sharing this with the rest of the country.
The individuals who attended the games as either an athlete, support personnel or a fan came away with memories that shall last a very long time. In conclusion, thank you again to Lincoln for providing a fantastic week for the athletes of Special Olympics. Nebraskans were indeed a Fan of Special Olympics. A job well done, and all involved should be very proud.
Chris Hahn, president/CEO, Special Olympics Kansas
A great success
On behalf of the nearly 700 athletes, coaches and fans from Missouri, I want to thank all of those involved in making the USA National Games a great success.
The volunteers were always helpful, cheerful and knowledgeable in all venues and truly made the event so much fun for all of us.
To the Games Organizing Committee - congrats on a great week during some less than great weather. We are appreciative of being selected as the Super Fans of the games, and we hope everyone got to see some of our MO MAGIC.
Mark Musso, president/CEO, Special Olympics Missouri
Inspiring stories
The tennis players were all excited about seeing Andy Roddick and the possibility of getting his autograph. Later that week, as Team Nebraska arrived at the tennis courts, a volunteer came up to our players, and he asked THEM for an autograph. Oh, the looks on their faces!
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On the first day, Matt Cooney, tennis player for Nebraska, went into the hospital for dehydration. The next day he played both of his matches. On Thursday, he went to the hospital again for dehydration. He was unable to be present to accept his silver medal. The next day, when tennis was over and everything was torn down, we took Matt back out to Abbott, set up a platform for him, and re-enacted the medal presentation.
It was somewhat of an inconvenience for us, but you should have seen the look on Matt's face: priceless.
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Nebraska tennis player Alina turned her ankle during a match and went down on the court. After a medical timeout, Alina got up and played.
When the match was over, the two players shook hands at the net. The winner of the match, from Kansas, said to Alina, "I wasn't worried about winning, I was worried about YOU being able to finish."
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