MESSAGE FROM AN ATHLETE

      My name is Kevin Ogletree and I am an athlete with Special Olympics and I’m on the
      council. I bet all of you are wondering, what is Special Olympics? Well, it’s a special
      program for people with disabilities. It gives them an opportunity to compete in different
      sport events, helps improve their skills, gives them a chance to practice being a team player,
      by showing others what they can do, and most importantly to have fun. We also get
      volunteers to help us fundraise different activities to raise money for Special Olympics. Special
      Olympics’ volunteers have put in a lot of effort in giving the athletes new & fun opportunities
      that they enjoy year round.

      I would like to take this opportunity to tell you how Special Olympics has changed my life for
      the past 13 years. It all started back when I was a student at Mark Twain Middle School in
      1998. I was very shy and scared to be part of something new. At first I didn’t want any part
      of it, but I showed dedication and I put my heart in it when I competed. I tried my very best
      in every sport event even if I wasn’t the best. I learned to play better, help other athletes,
      and become a team player. The sports I didn’t know how to play were a challenge to me
      but they helped me build my confidence, loyalty to my team, compassion, and strength to
      win games. I believe that it doesn’t matter if you win or lose as long as you have fun, work
      as a team, and believe in yourself, anything can happen. You just have to put your mind to
      it. I have won 9 gold medals in the past 9 years for all of my hard work and effort to win
      games!

      Just think if you had a son or daughter with a disability and they felt like they were different
      from everyone else. What if they felt alone and they believed that they were the only ones
      with a disability. What if they never had a chance to show others what they could do. Well
      guess what, they are not alone. There are over a million people with different disabilities all
      over the world! And they have a chance to show others their many abilities! Special Olympics
      gives all people with disabilities not only a chance to be an athlete, but also a friend. Being
      part of this wonderful organization can help you and others have a more positive outlook
      on life. On behave of the Special Olympic Council and me as an athlete, we need
      volunteers to help coach sport events and fundraise special events run by Special Olympics.
      We are grateful for your donations and support so that our programs can be ongoing
      successes year round for the athletes. Thank you.