Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho -  2009

OAK members Candi S, Barbara S. and Pamela B. volunteered to attend the World games this last week.  Volunteer options at the games were minimal which is always disappointing.  But somehow we always manage to keep busy and enjoy the festivities of this wonderful event - which was the largest winter sporting event ever!

We did make it to the Ice World to watch speed skating & some award ceremonies. With us were Sue D./PHX her room mate Pat G./SJC and Lavon C/DTW. We met a sweet little athlete from Russia - she proudly displayed her medals for our photograph!

Friday was the Family Reception - we expected 1400 - though we probably greeted under a 1000.  Tim Shriver was there and in his opening statement mentioned Clipped Wings and our loyalty through the many years - very nice comments. The families were treated to lovely buffet dinner and given the opportunity to visit with other parents, SO officials and CW members.

Our National President made some brief comments which included thanking the CW SO Committee for all their hard work and then drew the winning raffle ticket which was won by a SEA parent - the prize was UA business class tickets for two. 

By 7:00 P.M. the families and CW volunteers boarded buses for the Closing Ceremonies. The atmosphere in the arena was joyous with dancing athletes and some tired volunteers!  The announcement of the next SO World Summer games in Athens Greece brought sheer excitement!!

The Boise people were all very gracious to us; we had great hotel accommodations (sans a bar!), a delicious breakfast came with our room and there were plenty of nice restaurants to venture out to after our volunteer jobs were complete.  But best of all was the opportunity to see other CW members from every part of the country.  

It was a great time to reconnect with old friends such as former OAK member Judy S and Suzanne F./STL.  We spent time rehashing our adventure in Japan with Cricket/ ORD, we talked about Austria with Gwen/ PDX, and had the opportunity to better acquaint ourselves to MAR Co -President Diane B (& Lorraine U.) - just to name a few!

There are more stories to tell but this should suffice - it was indeed our pleasure to join the other 60+ CW's in Boise to watch the 2400 SO athletes  "compete in an atmosphere of acceptance diversity, and joy!"