Stories to make you smile!

A few more great stories to share on a Friday afternoon!

The first story comes from journalist Louis Carlozo. His blog post, “We aren’t the champions, they are: in praise of Special Olympics,” is an amazing look at the definition of true success in sports. In a society where we often choose to reward only those individuals who place first, it’s heartening to see someone express the power of personal best. I think my favorite part was his thoughts on the late John Wooden (UCLA’s former basketball coach):

As the top coach in college basketball history, here’s a guy who built the UCLA dynasty and could actually get away with saying “Winning is the only thing” or some such. But here’s what Wooden said instead, and he should know a thing or two, having won 10 NCAA crowns in 12 years: “Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”

Ok, this next story is just great! This April, eight individuals with intellectual disabilities will take center stage performing at the wedding of England’s Prince William. No Problem Orchestra is from Austria and they are completely comprised of individuals with intellectual disabilities! But don’t worry about the stress of the big event… they’re pros and they really know how to get the crowd going! They performed at a private concert for Queen Elizabeth II and the 2007 Special Olympics Games in Austria. Plus, they’ll be performing in July for Prince Albert II of Monaco’s wedding. Congrats and best of luck to these amazing performers!

This video is from a few years ago, but I just saw it today for the first time and thought it was really cool! Special Olympics Florida athlete and International Global Messenger, Andy Miyares had a chance to swim with Olympic stars Michael Phelps and Katie Hoff. What a great opportunity!