Happy 16th Anniversary to my special bride today! 16 years ago we started our journey of life together. Dana is my spouse, partner and friend and I could not have ask for a better lady to share my life with. Thanks Dana for always allowing me to follow my passion!
So, that brings me to the subject of tonights blog: Passion... We all strive to excel in things that we have passion for. If your job gives you passion for what you do, your work becomes part of you. You never have to worry about wanting to do the job because it doesn't feel like a job. If you are passionate about a cause or charity it becomes your passion to help fullfill the mission of the organization. As I have witnessed my first National Games I can attest Special Olympics has countless coaches, volunteers, staff members and parents that have passion for the Special Olympics movement. Forty two years ago, July 20, 1968 for the very first time Special Olympics athletes from the U.S. and Canada gathered at Soldier field in Chicago. The movement was started by one lady who had the passion: Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Team Missouri is honoring Mrs. Shriver passion by having her initials on the back of each of our shirts. Mrs. Shriver passed away in 2009.
As we witnessed Closing ceremonies we saw a movement of youth that met this week in Omaha, NE with a National Youth Activation Summit. The NYAS is taking the challenge using sports to promote social justice through discussion, callaboration and action. As seen from the audience and excitement from these young people their passion will change their friends, schools, communities. The closing ceremonies was a Rally format to activate the athletes, fans, coaches and volunteers to keep the flame of hope burning!
I am celebrating 19 years supporting Special Olympics Missouri this year. As I sit here writing this blog tonight I wonder what made me decide that my passion is in supporting the Special Olympics? I would have to admit at first it was purely accidental. I remember my first state games I attended in Ft. Leonard Wood and that changed me from being a observer to feeling part of the movement. As the years passed I stayed involved volunteering at games and donating funds. Last year I was asked to serve on the State Board. I told them I would serve since my other board committments had expired. As I look back, I don't think their is one thing that created my passion for Special Olympics but I do believe that the athletes passion to compete is the starting point that makes me so thrilled to be involved. I witnessed this first hand this week. Each athlete wanted to perform to the best of their ability and to show their skill at whatever sport they were competing in. The lesson we can all learn is follow your passion and you will enjoy the journey! Remember life is a journey not a destination!
I would like to thank my golf team for the thrill of a lifetime getting to know each one of them. I wish them each success as they leave these games in Lincoln, Nebraska. I plan on giving a full recap Saturday evening on the experience.
Have a GREAT day!
Gary
Great post and spot on about passion
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