“This is what AWESOME looks like.”
The following post comes from a speech given by Special Olympics Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger Jason Gieschen.
Hello, My name is Jason Gieschen. I am an athlete and Global Messenger. I live in Nebraska which is in the middle of the United States.
I wear this bracelet that says: Difference Maker, today is the day, I am the one. Special Olympics is more than just a sports organization. It is a difference maker. It has helped me know that I too, can be a difference maker.
One way that Special Olympics makes a difference is that Special Olympics offers health screening to athletes. Every year I see my eye doctor. But it was at a Special Olympics healthy athlete screening that the doctor discovered a cyst in my eye. I had surgery to remove the cyst and it saved the sight in my eye. There are many stories out there like mine — athletes hearing for the first time with a new hearing aid — athletes getting dental care so their teeth don’t ache — athletes choosing to eat healthier — athletes exercising and getting fit. The athletes are living healthier lifestyles because of Special Olympics. Myself included.
Through better eating habits and routine exercise I have lost nearly 100 pounds. This is what Awesome looks like.
Attitudes are changing and we are creating healthy communities. We hope the health and fitness programs will spread across the nations. Special Olympics is changing lives. It is teaching us that all it takes is one person helping one person. Before long we are all helping one another. Join us. You are a difference maker.
Today is your day. You are the one.
For more information on the Special Olympics Health program, made possible by the Golisano Foundation, please visit: http://www.specialolympics.org/health.aspx
