Dear Coaches, Unified Partners and Volunteers,
This is a special time of year when we reflect more fully on our bountiful blessings. Having volunteered for thirty years with Special Olympics, I also know that your time given to our cause may take you from precious time with family and friends. I have a deep appreciation for each of you and for your sacrificial service this Thanksgiving Day!
Thank you for your untiring commitment to our mission. You are on the front lines of changing lives, improving health, and restoring hope and dreams. You are not only the hands and feet of our delegation, but you are the face of Special Olympics Indiana – Ripley Ohio Dearborn Counties to those who need us most.
Thank you for your humility and selflessness, and for your countless acts of compassion and love every day, to our athletes who can only ‘repay’ you with a simple thank you, smile, high-five, or hug.
Thank you for bringing your unique talents and skills that directly impact the lives of our athletes.
You are changing lives, in profound ways – in ways that are not always easy to see in the moment. But, in a world too full of hurt and hopelessness, you are a light of hope and a servant of goodness.
I am profoundly grateful for all our volunteers. You are an inspiration to us, as you live out your passion to help end discrimination and empower people with intellectual disabilities to reach their fullest potential on and off the playing field. You help us achieve our vision of using sports to open hearts and minds and to create inclusive communities across Ripley, Ohio, and Dearborn Counties, the state and throughout the world!
On this Day of Thanksgiving, I thank God for each of you. May he bless you and give you strength and encouragement as you continue to volunteer your time, talent, and skills.
An Abundance of Gratitude,
Greg Townsend
Program Coordinator
