SOTX Coaches, How Do We Love Thee?

By Tela Mange

During our local, area and statewide competitions, the athletes are the stars -- and justifiably so. But coaches are the ones who get the athletes prepared for competition and make sure that the teams run smoothly and get where they're going on time. So, it's only appropriate that we spend some time telling our coaches that we notice what they do.

Why do we love Special Olympics Texas coaches? It's hard to know where to begin, so we'll make a short list (no particular order, and this could be longer):

• Your dedication to your athletes.
• Your love for your athletes. Best quote I heard today: "When we read the TEQs, we can see how much they love their athletes."
• Your patience with your athletes.
• Your commitment to giving your athletes opportunities to excel.
• Your positive attitude.
• Your determination to expect more from your athletes than others do...and holding them accountable.
• Your sense of humor.
• Your passion for your athletes...and for competition.
• Your determination to provide our athletes with an exceptional experience. One SOTX staff member said "They make me want to be a better staff person."

Margaret Larsen, president and CEO of Special Olympics Texas, summed it up this way: "I continue to see people who do not even have a child in the program give up their Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesday nights and Thursday nights for our athletes. Their dedication of their time to our athletes is gratifying."

So, coaches, let us say: THANK YOU for all you do for our athletes. You are amazing.