ARTICLE
Sports. Athletics. Competition. These are the buzzwords that accompany any athlete’s endeavour to pit himself or herself against themselves in the pursuit of excellence and against others in the pursuit of achievement. The Olympics’ motto is “Swifter. Higher. Stronger.” From this, we get the feats of physical prowess that the most talented and trained of athletes display and awe us all. Such feats bring out specific emotions in the spectator, however much of this emotion is built on one thing: winning at the expense of another’s defeat. We don’t normally hear about or care to remember the silver or bronze medallists or those that didn’t break any particular world records. It is sad, but this is what international sports, and indeed all sports, have been reduced to.
Enter the Special Olympics. Their motto is “"Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” The spirit of these Olympics is founded on a concept that is markedly different from what one is normally used to. It is about participation; it is about giving it your best; it is about overcoming all odds; and most of all, it is about a feeling of camaraderie, gratitude, and sportsmanship. For the Special Olympics Bahamas, the present is a privileged time since we are so fortunate to have and have had some exceptional athletes and examples of the sort of sportsmanship that exemplifies the Special Olympics spirit. Those who are actively involved in the program, from coordinators and coaches to volunteers and health professionals; all share some remarkable memories and experiences in being involved with these special athletes.
Anita Moncur, sister of Amanda Moncur, National Director of Special Olympics Bahamas, is a fitting example of an athlete who’s grown in strides and is to the point where she’s proven to be a great source of support and assistance to fellow athletes. Having participated in World Games since 1983, she’s a veteran athlete who’s done it all, having participated in five sports, and seen it all, having visited several countries. Now, she happily arranges transportation for training other athletes depend on, making calls to inquire if athletes are going to make it or not and even helping them catch the local bus. In addition to office administration, Amanda trusts her sister now to being a ‘right-hand man’ for all those who are in the program and are growing as Anita has.
Kevin Archer, one of the most talented tennis players the program has ever seen, is a shining example of someone entirely committed to the program in spite of the years spanning his career.
(Continued)