Auxiliary's 2026 - 2027 National Project
THE CALL TO GET INVOLVED
MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL AUXILIARY PRESIDENT
On August 28, 1978, we were given the gift of a daughter who has Down Syndrome. We really did not know where this journey would take us or how we would get there, but we knew we had to move forward to reach the pot of gold. We are not unlike many other families across our nation who are on the same journey as we are. We are fortunate to have strong family and community support, great educational opportunities, job training, adult living support, and spiritual leadership.
One of the biggest components of our extended family has been, and still is, the Special Olympics organization at all levels – county, district, state, national, and international.
Eight years old, she won a silver medal; however, the gold was in sight if she hadn't stopped near the finish line to wave at her friend in the stands who had come to watch the competition. This is what it is all about, right?
The first-ever Special Olympics USA Games were hosted in 2006 in Ames, Iowa. Our daughter was asked to coach a Unified Soccer team made up of people with and without intellectual disabilities who compete together. We won the silver medal, losing to a team from Tennessee.
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Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded Special Olympics in 1968, firmly believing that people with intellectual disabilities can excel in sports and in life.
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
Ms. Shriver is quoted as saying, “Every single person can make a difference in the lives of others.” We are so excited to have this opportunity to give back a small amount of what has been afforded to us.
Special Olympics is designed so that cost is never a barrier to participation. Everything is funded through community support rather than athlete fees. Funds raised for Special Olympics help cover coaching, training, facilities, equipment, uniforms, travel expenses, and companion expenses, among other costs.
Every Special Olympics competition holds true to many of the same principles as the Olympics we are familiar with. There is an Opening Ceremony, lighting of the ceremonial torch, special guest speakers, an oath, and the official opening of the competition. There is also a closing ceremony when all the competitions are over.
The Special Olympics athlete oath is, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” It embodies resilience, courage, and the spirit of never giving up. This oath serves as a reminder that true strength lies in our ability to confront challenges head-on, regardless of the outcome, and to continue pursuing our dreams with unwavering bravery.
In closing, we ask that you be brave in your attempt to support Special Olympics in any way whether it be donating or simply finding a Special Olympics event in your local area and going to cheer on the athletes.
Marlene & Gary Cummings
Project Symbol
Special Olympics USA logo
Americanism: Volunteering
Volunteers provide additional manpower without the organization having to pay salaries. Special Olympics events need volunteers to help run events, coach, and assist athletes during games. Volunteers can reduce event costs. They can also bring unique talents to help, such as marketing, graphic design, and social media. Volunteers create a feeling of inclusion and community service.
Safety: Social Safety and Inclusion
Social safety protects people when they face risks and acts as a safety net. Social inclusion ensures people participate in society and feel included, promotes equality and belonging, and removes barriers to participation.
Project Flower
Various Favorite Varieties
Project Songs
One Moment in Time
– Whitney Houston
If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again
– John Whitfield