By: Edie Wirtshafter, Field Services Director

 

As a long time worker for Special Olympics Michigan, I have been to many conferences. The 2011 November conference was one of my best experiences ever because of the involvement of many incredible athletes, from the outstanding keynote speech by Area 23 (Wayne County) athlete David Foust, to the many other Global Messengers and athletes who shined though out the entire weekend of Nov. 5 in Mt. Pleasant.

I had the pleasure of watching most of the athletes in action. They were poised, practiced and proud. Each showed how capable athletes can be when provided training and opportunities. Each of the Global Messengers helped to dispel many of the myths of what people with intellectual disabilities can and cannot do.

I listened as athletes expressed their ideas and opinions at the input session. The session showed that athletes do have important ideas and are able to advocate their opinions.

I remember about 10 years ago when Area 35 (Chippewa, Mackinac and Luce Counties) athlete Christine Paquin did her first invocation. Christine was a hard worker but not self confident. She would not even start speaking until she had someone with her at the podium. Christine could not read, but once she had a partner with her, she did a fine job using pictures to tell her story. Now flash forward to this November. Christine stood proud and determined when she rose to the podium. Not only is she more confident in her abilities but she can now read. What a tribute to her hard work and effort, and to those who helped her reach this huge milestone.

Then there is Area 4 (Crawford, Oscoda, Ogemaw and Roscommon Counties) athlete John Florian. When John took the Global Messenger Class, he was extremely shy and had trouble even getting up in front of the class to speak. It literally brought me to tears to see him up in front of the huge crowd at lunch this year, speaking proudly and clearly for everyone to hear. John received a lot of help from his sister Connie, who is a top-notched speaker and the athlete on the Special Olympics Michigan Board of Directors. But it was John who overcame his obstacles to improve his skills and self-esteem. He rose to the challenge of speaking at this large event.

Finally, there is Area 7 (Clare, Gladwin, Isabella and Gratiot Counties) athlete Michelle Trombley. Michelle filled in at the last moment and did an outstanding job introducing Mike Bovino at the Sunday session. Michelle is a strong speaker and always does a good job. With David “Big Daddy” Peterson, both took the initiative to pass out information and prizes to help keep the session organized. Both Michelle and David also participated at the speed networking session where Michelle won tickets to the Gala. How exciting for both of them to get the opportunity to attend this grand event.

Special thanks to all the other Global Messengers for their hard work and effort at the conference. Each of you should be very proud of a job well done. You are shining examples of the skills and confidence that can be achieved by becoming a Global Messenger. Other athletes who spoke at the conference include:

• Elizabeth Viele, Leslie Venema and Kelly Everson from Area 8 (Eaton and Ingham Counties) athletes
• Nikki Groves from Area 2 (Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties)
• Aimee Faggion from Area 33 (Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego Counties)
• Jacqui Putney  from Area 11 (Barry and Kent Counties)
• Joan Aikens from Area 35 (Chippewa, Luce and Mackinac Counties)
• Tabitha Neller Area 28 (Clinton County)
• Nicholas Boyd from Area 5 ((Mecosta and Osceola Counties)

Thank you to Global Messengers James Yeck and Allison Moore from Area 11 (Barry and Kent Counties) who assisted at the athlete fundraising session. Thank you also to the many other athletes who attended and provided input at one session or another. You are at the center of our work and the heart of our Movement. Your participation in decisions about the future of the programs is critical to ensuring that you benefit from and enjoy the programs.