This past weekend I heard a woman pay tribute to her sister using "er."  She described her as the one who was cuter, smarter, faster, funnier ... etc.

Driving into work this morning I started toying around with that concept, and my thoughts drifted to our Special Olympics athletes and  what "er" I would use to pay tribute to them.  What came to mind was "kinder."  I truly do believe people with intellectual disabilities are kinder.  So much so, that when we are in their presence, we not only realize that in comparison to them we fall short - we are inspired by them to do better.

  

Two weeks ago, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a dinner celebrating the work that Special Olympics, in partnership with the Obama administration, has been doing to activate youth to fight inactivity, injustice, and intolerance in their schools and communities.

"This dinner comes at a critically important time for communities across America and around the world as Special Olympics looks to support young people as they create the first truly unified generation," stated Special Olympics CEO Janet Froetscher. "We are kicking-off our call to action urging youth everywhere to get active with someone who is different. By playing unified sports, together we can create a future of respect and inclusion, where the lines that divide us are erased."

Among the invitees was Special Olympics New Mexico athlete Tim Harris of Tim's Place!  Tim not only attended the dinner, but at President Obama's request gave the Commander in Chief one of his famous "Tim hugs." We are grateful that Tim was able to represent SONM as a leader within our organization, serving as an athlete in Unified Sports and a Global Messenger.

To view photos from the event, click HERE.