Benedictine Going Strong with Special Olympics: An Athlete Excels
Audrey (right) earned three medals in speed skating at February’s Special Olympics International event in Boise, Idaho.
 Audrey especially enjoyed the chance to make new friends from all over the world.
|
Benedictine has been closely involved with Special Olympics for many years, and today the bond is stronger than ever. Founded in 1968, Special Olympics International today serves 2.5 million athletes and their families in more than 180 countries. It has transformed from a sporting event for individuals with disabilities into a movement that focuses on acceptance, inclusion, and respect for special people from around the world.
Celebrating our 50th anniversary as a pioneer in the care and education of children and adults with special needs, it is fitting to recognize our involvement with the world’s highest profile organization that benefits people with mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. Sister Jeannette explained why. “Our mission and the mission of Special Olympics are the same: to bring out the full potential of these special kids who need and deserve special care, but weren’t getting it; to give them an opportunity to achieve dignity through accomplishment; and to raise awareness of their value to the world.”
|
Benedictine Speed Skater Earns Medals in Idaho
The entire Benedictine community got a chance to enjoy the Special Olympics experience through the exploits of Audrey Hall, a 17 year-old residential student at the School. Audrey is a speed skater and was chosen for Team USA to compete at the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho. From February 6 to 13, nearly 3,000 athletes from 85 countries competed in seven Olympic-type sports: Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, floor hockey, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and speed skating. Audrey began the long process of entering this important competition last fall, and trained hard to be able to do her best.
Sister Jeannette smiles as she says, “We are all so proud of Audrey, and we feel like we were right there with her. Everyone who goes to Special Olympics is a winner, and Audrey is a winner among winners.” Audrey won one silver and two bronze medals in various distances, and beat her personal best times in all her races.
In one of her letters, Audrey describes her experience: “I nearly cried after my last race. I did so well and I did not mess up once! My races were a challenge, but they were fun. I was very glad to receive my medals. I am sad that I did not get the gold, but I had the chance to skate with people from other countries. That was an honor! Meeting Michelle Kwan was amazing. … Tim Shriver was there and he is indeed an amazing person! I do not know what life will be like now. I know that it will be all back to normal soon. I will miss this. I miss the chance of representing my school, state, and most of all my country! You may not have seen the games, but if you had been there you would have been so proud to see everyone. I was very impressed with everyone! I may not have gotten the gold, but inside I am a champion. I had great team spirit, glory, and the chance to be with the world. I enjoyed this so much! THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!!!!”