[dropcap]F[/dropcap]or nine glorious days spanning from July and August, Special Olympics athletes from all around the world descended upon Los Angeles to compete in the 2015 Special Olympics World Games. The Special Olympic Games are a world-class event for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate, and take place only once every four years. This special event is the largest sporting and humanitarian event in the world this year. And for the very first time this year, Oriental Medicine was available at the Games. While my first time ever at the Special Olympics, I was absolutely thrilled to be attending this global event and getting to see the tremendous, hard-working athletes compete for a gold medal.
My colleagues and I were asked to be health and wellness providers to the 6,500 athletes and 3,000 coaches at the Games—representing the well-known Healthy Athletes Program. Our entire experience was remarkable there as we offered massages, acupressure, tui na, yoga, and tai chi. Our services at USC were sought out and well received throughout the Games. One of our mottos at our Oriental Medicine Wellness booth was to offer smiles and hugs to all we met. And soon we were making life long friends.
As a spectator, I had the privilege of meeting premiere athletes. There is no distinction in my mind with these talented Special Olympic athletes and other athletes. The tremendous training, dedication, and commitment levels are the same.
One memorable athlete I met was Jarmo Patana of Kokkola, Finland. Jarmo is a man with an indomitable spirit that is also now a four-time Gold Medalist in kayaking. I was full of admiration for his unwavering compassion and kindness that radiated from within. As I talked to his kind family and trainers, I learned more about Jarmo’s immeasurable commitment, passion, and dedication that won him two gold medals at the World Games in Athens in 2011.
On July 28, Jarmo defended his title and won his third gold medal. Seeing him clench his fourth gold medal in the 200M kayak race at the Marine Stadium in Long Beach the following day was absolutely surreal. The instant he paddled across the finish line, I was overcome with so much emotion and pride. Following the jubilant Medals Ceremony, in another golden moment I’ll always treasure for the rest of my life, Jarmo ran towards me and we clung to each other in happiness. Without a doubt, Jarmo continues to teach others and me true compassion, the power of reaching for our goals, and to always be appreciative of life. I will always be thankful for getting the chance to meet Jarmo and become life long friends.
Working side by side with my colleagues at the Oriental Medicine Wellness booth, and getting to meet all the fantastic athletes made my time at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in LA absolutely inspiring. This truly was a once in a lifetime experience that I will always cherish in my heart.
What an inspirational post. I bet it was amazing to see, Jarmo, win his third gold medal. what a special moment.
What an incredible experience. So many things we take for granted. The joys of living and believing yourself should never be overlooked. Thanks for the heartwarming insights.