SPECIAL OLYMPICS FOR NOVA SCOTIA

SPECIAL OLYMPICS FOR NOVA SCOTIA & PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

The Special Project of the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron

For 2007-08

(supported by the sale of Special Date Books giving important dates affecting this Grand Jurisdiction and Special Commemorative Ornaments celebrating our 60^th Anniversary of our Grand Chapter)

Sis. Annie Mae and Bro. Whit chose Special Olympics for Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island as their main project for their year. How many of you who are familiar with Special Olympics, we do not know; but we want you to think of people with special needs - who suffer from Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Mental - Emotional - and other Physical Challenges. For years, these people were the "forgotten" of our society. We all have witnessed either in person or on television Olympic Games on a world level. To those with challenges, the Provincial Games - Summer and Winter - are just as thrilling and just as meaningful. Every summer, for example, in the middle of July, the Nova Scotia Provincial Special Olympics are held at one of the university sites in Nova Scotia. It is sad when you realize that 80% of those in the stands are there because the participants are either related or because they work with Special Needs people. If the World Olympic Games were to come to Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island, we know there are some of you who would pay big dollars to attend some of the events. But, where are we whenever there is a Special Olympics meet. We would urge you to watch the news media and make it a point to attend one of these events. You'll never experience any else like it in your life. There is the thrill of the sport, the joy of what takes place, and the indomitable spirit of the participants which will leave you with a smile on your face and tears in your eyes..........and will have cost you nothing. Your Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron have a "vested" interest in Special Olympics - Sis. Annie Mae has a niece with special needs, and Bro. Whit has a son who is learning disabled and they are both Special Olympians.

Here is their Olympic Oath which is given at each opening ceremony:

LET ME WIN, BUT IF I CANNOT WIN, LET ME BE BRAVE IN THE ATTEMPT.

Special Olympics Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island is a nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with an intellectual challenge. The message has to get out that only 17% of their funding comes from the Government to operate their administration and programs offered. The balance has to come from individuals and organizations, like the Order of the Eastern Star, to make it all "happen". Special Olympics utilize sport and recreation as the vehicle to achieve its goals, and emphasizes quality in the programs offered.

Research has shown that increased physical activity and participation in sports such as those offered through Special Olympics have many positive and lasting effects on participants including increased self-confidence and ultimately independence. It is understood throughout this organization that while they are definitely and foremost a sport organization, they also understand that success on the sport field is put in perspective with success in areas such as social skills and self worth.

There have been many examples of how these athletes also understand this, including an athlete who won two gold medals at a National Games, but was equally proud of the fact that he had quit smoking as a condition of the Provincial Team training requirements. They have had many athletes who have experienced their first overnight away from home at our Provincial Games, or their first ever plane flight attending a National Games. These are lifetime milestones that are not taken for granted by these athletes, and as reported by families and care givers, are events that change lives.

It is recognized that individuals and groups, like our beautiful order, who support Special Olympics are not only giving of their resources, but also are giving of themselves. While support that comes from the heart may be difficult to measure, it is the intangible difference that sets us apart and makes those who are part of Special Olympics more fulfilled and better for it. There are countless examples of Special Olympians who have touched the hearts of others, and the reason why Special Olympics means so much to so many.

Special Olympics bring truth to the saying, "Life shouldn't be measured by how many breaths you take, but in how many moments take your breath away".

Special Olympics are about celebrating success, and how that is measured doesn't always come in seconds.

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