Be Brave

"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt"

Special Olympics Athlete's Oath.

Before the start of every Special Olympics competition, an athlete is selected from one of the team's there that day, and they are stood in front of all competitors to recite the oath, somewhere around 200 people. All other athletes, unified partners, coaches, and even volunteers line up, and repeat the humbling words back to the designated speaker as they carefully work through it. It's only 15 words, a sentence or two that would be so simple for those of sound mind and body, but for some of these athletes this opportunity carries as much pressure as it does pride. Some whisper, others yell, and every once in a while there is an athlete that doesn't quite have it memorized...but no matter the delivery, the supportive echo from an enraptured crowd is the sure sign that a great day of competition is ready to commence.

When I recite the oath before each competition I try to remind myself why I'm really there. Sure, I know that the point of bowling is to knock down pins and get a high score, but when I am at a competition I am an athlete, a coach, a big brother, and even a therapist at times. It's way more than playing well when your teammates don't necessarily have the mental capacity to stay locked in, or even be able to know when they are struggling and need to adjust. It is in these moments that I really need to channel the oath, when I want to "win", but need to focus on the "attempt". It isn't always easy, and some situations are way harder to navigate than others, but with the oath on repeat in my head it certainly makes it a little easier.

While this may be the athletes' oath for the Special Olympics, I think it is pretty clear how applicable it can be in everyone's life, as it is mine. It's a reminder that we all want to win, who doesn't, but we need to have a bit of grace while doing so. Sports and competition are about having fun, pushing yourself, and challenging others to do the same, but it should be dependant on the outcome. I encourage anyone out there to implement these principles into a facet of their lives where they are competing against others. Try your best to be supportive, be optimistic, and see what kind of a response you get in return, I'd bet you'd be surprised.

If you or someone you now wants to get involved as an athlete, coach, or volunteer, use this link to find a program in your area. Or feel free to reach out to me and I will find one for you!