I had the time of my life!

That about sums up the time I spent at the National Games I attended this past July.  What a wonderful experience and that includes meeting the athletes, coaches, parents, supporters, volunteers, dignitaries and spectators during that week.  And I met a lot. I wanted to know from all sources what went on during a National competition and I found out.  It is truly amazing!!

My first introduction to these games was through the Saskatchewan Special Olympics office in Regina.  They were not only willing but also delighted to include me in anything I wanted to attend.  They arranged my hotel room and for my accreditation through the games organizing committee, which designated me an honorary guest.  What an honour.

My second encounter was with the volunteer organizing committee members that ensured that I was treated as royalty when I got there.  I was escorted to the games and paraded out with several others to cheers and banging of noisemakers to enjoy the parade of athletes and to watch from stage right the entire opening ceremonies.  What a thrill. Especially the honour of shaking all those athletes' hands.  Imagine them thinking we were important, when in fact everyone was there to see them perform.  After all this excitement, we were treated to a wonderful hospitality night.

Then on to the games.  The next few days were spent at every venue I could get to and back.  I loved the soccer, swimming, softball (slow pitch), track & field, bowling and especially the rhythmic gymnastics.  Unfortunately, I did not get to the power lifting.  Our guest speaker, Jackie Barrett, from last year's luncheon was competing and I had hoped to see him.  And the best part was, that I was asked to present the medals at the Rhythmic Gymnastics.  I have never seen anything so beautiful in my life as the smiles on the faces of these wonderful athletes.  Not only are they excellent athletes but excellent competitors.  They live up to their motto "Let me win, but if I can not win, let me be brave in the attempt".  It showed in every competition.

I wondered to myself, on my drive up to Prince Albert, if anyone would know who and what Progress is?  Well, if they didn't before, they do now.  And yes, we are out there.  Everywhere I looked, I saw our logo; from the 4 x 8 foot size on the ball diamond to the banner hung in the gym to the video loop that played at intermission to the large sponsor banners hung everywhere.  When I spoke to coaches, parents and anyone else who would listen, all I had to do was point to our logo and explain who we were.

If I have never believed anything more in my life, I believe we the members of the Canadian Progress Club, are doing the job we started in September 1986.  We are making a difference in the lives of mentally challenged individuals-a huge difference.  For that, I thank you all.

Yours for Progress,
Janey Davies
Foundation Chair