A Special Day With Area M Athletes

Last week I had the opportunity to volunteer for Special Olympics Area M at Messiah College! It's an annual tradition I share with a wonderful group of gals I met while working for a different non-profit (the American Cancer Society). These ladies rock - they have tirelessly donated their time for so many great causes, and I love our reunions!

So every year around tax time, we head to the field to volunteer for what I believe is truly the best job available at the Games. We are RIBBON PRESENTERS! The athletes come to our station after their race or event, and we have the incredible honor of announcing the winners and presenting everyone with their ribbons!

Over the years we've noticed the joy of the participants as they hear their name being called. So we've gradually increased the pomp and circumstance surrounding the presentation. We add drama, excitement, and theatrics similar to that of an announcer at a heavyweight bout! "And the heavyweight champion of the world is…" It's a BLAST!

There is much to gain by celebrating the successes of others. By the end of the Games, I'm hoarse, sunburned, and 100% fulfilled. But we don't need to wait until next April to find that joy again. Every day offers us the opportunity to support and encourage each other, and to celebrate the successes of our families, friends, neighbors, co-workers.

Who can you celebrate today? Who will you encourage?