Unit 1 Although they may not be the world’s fastest or strongest athletes, the 1830 competitions in the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Nagano, Japan competed with all their hearts. At the closing ceremony Princess Takamado of Japan made a speech .She said, ’The past week was all about smiles, gentleness and peace. I truly hope within my heart that the entire world can learn something here. We can all learn from the examples these special athletes have shown us.’ The aim of the Special Olympics is clear. It is to encourage individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit. They are also encouraged to be productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. If an athlete wins in competition, it is a bonus. However , in a way everyone wins. Lily Kuhn ,12, a skier with Team USA , could hardly restrain her enthusiasm as the wrote home. She told her parents: I was proud of myself. I am happy not simply for winning, but for winning honestly, loving to compete and working the hardest for the longest time. The festival ending the games is something to remember. It isn’t complete without the hugs. One event volunteer while hugging and handing out sweatshirts to some of the athletes held up his thumbs and said, ”All of these athletes are super! I can’t go anywhere around here without getting a hug. I pray for more of this sort of thing. I hope that the spirit with which they have competed might touch the whole world. Watching these young people blossom over the past week has truly touched my life. ” At the end of the festival, the vice mayor for the city of Shanghai, which will host the 2007 summer games, acce...
