Meet My Special Olympian !!

The weather says it is Spring and with Spring, comes SPECIAL OLYMPICS!

For many years, our son, Scott, has been a Special Olympian. He does not "excell" in athletics but for some reason, he gets really excited about "Special Olympics".

He partakes in track and field in the Spring and Bowling in the fall... which brings me to my latest rant.

We had a new milestone this past week. Our new President, for whom I have the highest regard, was the first sitting president to appear on a late night television show. (Jay Leno). (I thought Bill Clinton was actually on "Arsenio Hall" -- remember him? But maybe not.)

I taped Leno and thought our Pres did very well. Then the big bruhaha came about.

It seems that part of the show was edited out before broadcast. However, not before it was broadcast around the world.

For those who may not have heard the ruckus, Jay Leno asked President O'Bama if they were going to replace the White House bowling alley with a basketball court. This, of course, refers to Barack's lack luster performance during the campaign when he attempted to bowl with some potential voters and did not do very well.

In his response to Leno, Pres. OBama said he was improving but said he still bowled like a "Special Olympian".

Am I offended? No! I think our President has a good heart and certainly did not mean to offend or insult a huge population of people who give 200% in their athletic endeavors.

However, I feel this opens a great opportunity for people to become educated into our world. My friend's daughter went to Minnesota (I think it was MN) this Feb to participate in the WORLD Special Olympic Games. She is a speed skater and she gives it all she has! Trust me - most average folks would not want to compete with Michelle!

The part of me that finds this whole episode sad is that the audience laughed so quickly. They had no problems finding humor in the abilities (or preconcieved lack thereof) in the special olympian. THAT is sad. We, as a people, are too comfortable in allowing weaker folkes to be joked about in our presence. Better them than us I supposed.

In the coming monthes, you can believe Special Olympics will get some positive air time. That is good. Personally, I would like to see ESPN donate some time for the national and world games. Athletes like Michelle earned her spot in the limelight representing our country in the world games - yet if you want to see her efforts you have to watch home video!

And so it is Spring - time to get out the softball to practice Scott's throw - and stop watch to time his "speed" walking. Besides as Scott can tell you- after the games - we go to Shoney's for HOT FUDGE CAKE! That is my contribution to the sports world!