100 m Dash

This story is true; it happened in 1976 in Spokane, Washington, at a spring
track and field meet. Verification comes from a former Special Olymics Washington staff member, Pete Guzzo, Executive Director from 1980 to 1986. Pete was an employee of Seattle Parks & Recreation at that time and took a group of athletes from Seattle to the meet. It was unexpected and touched everyone who witnessed it.

Eight contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win. All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry. The other seven heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went back.... every one of them. One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, "This will make it better." Then all eight linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for several minutes.

What matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course.