Closing Ceremonies - Special Olympics 2010

We had the opportunity to attend the closing ceremonies for the Special Olympics tonight.  After hearing how great and moving the opening ceremonies were, we were excited to attend.  Everything went so very smoothly from the beginning to the end.  Although as we approached and saw the stream of cars, regretting not coming sooner, our thoughts quickly changed.  Parking and traffic was very organized, to the point of telling you which spot you were to park in.  When it came time to leave it flowed very quickly as well - too bad other events can not adopt some of the same practices.

Coming and going aside, we had a great time meeting a few more people - many from Texas - before the start of the cermonies.  I lost count of how many people stopped us to ask if we were at volleyball earlier in the day.  How did they recognize us in the sea of competitors and family members?  Eisley.  And her hair.  Guess she made an impression!  She even scored a pin from Team Texas.

You could text a message to athletes, coaches or teams and they were displayed on the screen before the ceremonies started.

The torch

The color guard and national anthem

Athletes taking down the Special Olympics flag

Some of the activities were just as one could anticipate - color guard, national anthem, musical guests (Eisley is not a rap fan, especially the shake you in your seat kind!), and the torch.  They also had a few student speakers representing Project UNIFY.  Project UNIFY is a U.S. national project, funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Its goal is to activate young people around the country in an effort to develop school communities where all young people are agents of change — fostering respect, dignity and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities by utilizing the programs and initiatives of Special Olympics.  

Even Eisley got a glow stick

Hard to see here, but the red is all of the glow sticks waving

Part of the presentation included glow sticks for everyone, representing taking some of the torch home to share.  Reminded me of the Friday night campfire services at church camp.  I was touched by the effort of the young people there to make a difference in the world and to encourage and help others do the same.  Eisley is a darling little baby at this point and we have not yet had to encounter any negative feedback due to her DS, but we are fully aware that day may come.  As I thought about the future, listening to the youth on stage encourage others present to make a difference, I was overcome with gratitude.  Because of their efforts, and really with no reward for themselves, the world will be a better place for Eisley to grow up in.