President's Column
Well, the ice is finally off the lakes and except for a few rather large piles of snow is some parking lots around here it looks as if we might finally be able to welcome sunny and warm weather. And after the winter we've had, all of us here in Madison say 'bring it on'!
Looking down the road a few weeks, the Area Spring Games and State Summer Games are right around the corner! Last week we conducted a full staff meeting here in Madison to do some planning and outline strategies for both the Sports and Development Departments. Going through the agenda, it became very evident that these days in Special Olympics, there are precious few times of the year when anyone can catch their breath. It seems like an event, competition or training is taking place almost every weekend. Skills in handling multiple tasks and time management are most critical to being able to manage the pace of work these days. A few of the 'old timers' were reflecting back to the 'good old days' when there actually was a down time. It was called Summer! These days there might be a week or so after the Summer Games when we can all catch our breath and relax a little and then it is back to work. But really, most of us wouldn't have it any other way.
We have grown into a year-round program and we have all witnessed the incredible value that these programs have meant to our athletes. Nobody works this hard just to keep busy. We dedicate our work so that the nearly 10,000 athletes in Wisconsin can experience the joy of participating in the many, many wonderful programs we present for the athletes. And we know they appreciate this hard work. We can see it on their faces.
So as the final key stroke is struck on this edition, I'll be getting back to the work that will make a difference in the lives of our athletes.