Pin It To Win It

One of the biggest side activities at the 2014 USA Games is the trading of state pins.

As the week goes on, the lanyards worn around the neck to hold credentials have been getting more and more crowded with unique and beautiful pins.

Some people move their more prized pins to a baseball cap--to make room on their lanyards for even more pins.

You won't be surprised to know that the Texas boot-shaped pin is well regarded...and quite sought-after.

It's common for athletes, families, staff or volunteers to stop someone and ask to trade pins with them. Sometimes the deal is for each trader's home state pin, and other times the deal is made for an elusive state or long-ago Special Olympics event.

Like Disneyland, certain pins are coveted by collectors: As the host state, New Jersey is sought after. Maryland has a cool pin. The Opening Eyes pin (a Healthy Athletes discipline) is so large, it takes two pins to hold it on a lanyard.

The good news is that everyone goes away happy...and with a new pin. Or pins.

Now, if I can just find someone else to trade with....