Wow! How exciting it is to share a room with so many inspirational leaders! The strength and energy of this group make me feel like everything in life is possible!
What an honor it is to have courageous Athletes from all over the world joining a program that bears my name!
For me, to think that all of you lion-hearted, successful, enlightened, and influential young people go out into the world to spread the word about “Special Olympics” and all the incredible Athlete accomplishments, under the title of “Sargent Shriver Global Messengers”, well it’s almost too good to be true! I am overcome with pride.
Never before has my name been put to such good use! For never before has my name been attached with a Movement that unites so many people world-wide! “Special Olympics” does so by bringing out the very best in human nature, the best in us all.
Having seen Special Olympics in action, the world can no longer allow a physical or mental disability prevent them from seeing the beauty and glory within each individual.
That is why “Special Olympics” has become the most encouraging and profound development in modem sports! As Global Messengers for “Special Olympics”, you bring a face and a real life story to the Movement. You make us more humane and accessible as an organization, by letting people who have not experienced “Special Olympics” first hand, get to know you and your experiences.
Having Athletes represent Special Olympics at this high level is tremendous, and having them use my name in their title is almost unbelievable! In fact, it’s a great relief to me to realize that I no longer have to worry about traveling around the world making compelling speeches about Special Olympics and all that our Athletes achieve. I never thought I could find the right superlatives to depict their accomplishments.
Now I can sit back and relax, knowing that the Athletes themselves have taken over the primary responsibility of explaining and promoting our totally new, inspiring, and successful program.
The best part about the athletes having agreed to take on such a crucial job for Special Olympics is that they do it better than someone like I could ever hope to do. For no matter how completely and accurately I may manage to convey the purpose of “Special Olympics”, nothing could be more impressive than hearing from you inspiring Special Olympics Athletes, what “Special Olympics” has meant to you, what it has enabled you to achieve, how what you have done has impressed your parents, and yes, your brothers and sisters, and “guys” like me, guys who never would have imagined how much people’s lives could be changed and improved by “Special Olympics” if they hadn’t seen you, with their own eyes, actually achieving that objective.
Truthfully, I can tell you just one thing:
I’ve been in 50 or more countries since 1968, and I’ve seen Special Olympics Athletes and Games in every one of those countries. I’ve heard their cheers and laughter, and I’ve watched parents, relatives, coaches, and fellow students cheer and cheer and cheer Special Olympics Athletes. Athletes just like every one of you.
Yes, Athletes just like you who are proving to the world, and creating a new World, where everyone with mental retardation has the opportunity to tap into their own strength, courage, and happiness; and to be recognized as individuals who enjoy being alive, playing games, getting applause, and crossing the finish line!
Yes, yes, yes, indeed, every one of you is inspiring all those who are lucky enough to see you perform and to hear you speak!
Yes, you are changing millions of people everywhere! Yes, you are inspiring all of them with your fulfillment of the Special Olympics’ Athlete Oath:
“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
May all of the world come to know you and respect you for your bravery, just as much, or even more than I do now.
As you go forth in the world, taking on your new responsibilities as bravely as you have conquered past ones, let me offer you a challenge: I want you to give a speech about Special Olympics at least once a month, and to do so in front of as many different types of organizations, in as many different areas, as you possibly can.
I want you to work hard in your countries to double the amount of Athletes in your Program over the next 2 years, to do everything you can to bring the joy of Special Olympics into more and more homes. And then the next time I see you, I want you to tell me how much fun you’ve been having while changing the world.
Congratulations! Congratulations! I hope you are all happy about your lives, your athletics, and your extremely bright future!
