The Olympics

Over the past few days the Olympics have dominated the sports news. The competition is always fun to watch, and there are always surprising results. As they used to put it on an old ABC show, the Wide World of Sports, contestants experience the “thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat.” 

While we all enjoy watching the Olympics, there is another type of Olympic competition that has been just as important for countless athletes over the years. The Special Olympics have provided great experiences for special athletes around the world since its founding in 1968. 

UCT has long been a supporter of Special Olympics. At the corporate level we have made significant donations in both the U.S. and Canada. Also, many of our local councils support local Special Olympics events either through donations or by volunteering, or both.

For example, Council #1 in Columbus, Ohio, has been supporting the annual Special Olympics meet at Whetstone High School for many years. The council donates money as a sponsor, but also provides volunteers. For at least the past few years, the council has run the softball toss.

Many of our other councils across North America do the same thing at their local events.

At all Special Olympics events, it is great to be involved. I would say more than the “thrill of victory” or the “agony of defeat,” the participants experience the thrill of competing. They all have a great time, and being a volunteer is a great experience. 

If you have an interest, contact your local UCT council and find out how to help with either the Special Olympics, or with the local Special Hockey team. Volunteer. You’ll be glad you did.