Bashful Dan

Here is Bashful Dan Young’s Stimulus Package.   The International Special Olympic Winter Games 2009 will turn its spotlight on the Closing Ceremonies tomorrow night from 7-9 pm in the Idaho Center in Nampa, Idaho.   I dare you watch in person (ticketed event) or television and not be inspired.   My bank account is empty but I refuse to complain when their are riches all around us.   Did you see the looks on the faces of the fans cheering their athletes to finish line?  That is Hope that you can believe in.   Did you see the grown men watching that shed tears?   That is a changed heart and that my friends is Change that you believe in.  The pride, the determination, the smiles and the applause are free.   It does not cost any of us a penny to open our hearts and minds and allow ourselves to be optimistic.   We’re Americans and we will survive the hard times and before you complain about one more thing in your life; let yourself be moved by the individual stories of the athletes. Think of their accomplishments and what they may have had to overcome since the moment of their birth.   Is there any challenge in your life that stacks up against the obstacles and roadblocks that some of these remarkable athletes and their families have overcome.    Consider Elizabeth McCourt from Massachusetts who has the medals to back up the “winning” smile.  Think about Jeff Wilson striking a pose that ignited the games on Opening Night Cermonies as described in the Idaho Statesman.   USA athlete Charles Howard lit the Flame of Hope that had been carried around the world on its way from Athens, Greece; and can you imagine the hard work and courage that led to this once in a lifetime moment?

I was 16 years old when I went to the N.A.R.C. (National Association of Retarded Children) Convention.   I met David McCallum (Man from U.N.C.L.E.), Rosie Grier (NFL) and was inspired by Eunice Kennedy Shriver.   I returned to Sandpoint, Idaho and started more T.O.R.C.H. (Teens Organized for Retarded Children) Clubs in the panhandle.    The names of the organizations changed along the way as we became more sensitive to .   TORCH became Teens Organized to Reach Citizens Handicapped.   I gave speeches to social, fraternal, and service organizations in town while I was in high school.   As teenagers we organized fundraisers and we took the first contingent of Sandpoint athletes to the Idaho Special Olympic State Games - ever.   I volunteered with Special Olympics during my Air Force career and when I returned home in 1993 I emceed and deejayed for regional and state games here in Sandpoint and up on the hill at Schweitzer Mountain Resort.   I am connected personally to many of these athletes and have known some of them for over 30 years.   Each one has a personal story of courage, dignity, hope, and accomplishment.   That is all part of my personal stimulus package.

Maria Shriver was at the games and it made me think of being a 16 year old kid and hanging out with Eunice Kennedy Shriver and at 16 I did not really understand who she was nor could I appreciate the back story behind her efforts for change.   I did know I was inspired.   I went to Boise and gave the Legislative presentation for TORCH Club Idaho to the Senators and House members.   Scott Woll and I actually moved Governor Andrus down two chairs at the breakfast so we could put Miss Idaho right between us.  (Hey, we were 16 year old boys, k?)   The support Governor Andrus and the Idaho Legislature gave us included early diagnostic testing, the first sheltered workshop, and a new fire escape system at the state school and hospital.   I was especially proud of how far Idaho has come with Special Olympics from Governor Andrus to Governor Otter. 

 In 2009 Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and First Lady Lori Otter appeared onstage at the Opening Ceremonies.   Butch had a painful operation and should have been in bed recovering but he knows that actions speak louder than words.   Idaho Governor Butch Otter stood in front of that packed house to praise the athletes, applaude the athletes, and encourage the athletes.   Governor Otter later said that being in the presence of those inspiring and courageous Olympians was a reminder of the obligation that we all share to promote dignity and respect for all people and underscored the continued need to elevate volunteerism in our communities. 

That’s Bashful Dan Young’s Stimulus package.  Be an optimistic, cup half full, proud, thankful, American and when you at standing at the edge of the abyss think about the challenges that others overcome on a daily basis.  We have some economic problems that are devestating to many of us and many have lost everything.   For me it is hard to complain when you watch someone struggle to brush their teeth, get dressed, or any other simple act that we take for granted.   Consider what you must do to cultivate “an attitude of gratitude” and if you want a cure for being down in the dumps - volunteer!   For anything.  For something.  For others.  For yourself.   Let the change begin with me.     Take a cue from the Olympic Motto:  Let me win but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt.   Those are the words of a Hero.   Hold out for the best in yourself.  Hold out for a Hero!

 Shang Chuan Shen, from Chinese Taipei’s floor hockey team, rocks with the music from Flame, a New York band made up of people with developmental and physical disabilities. Katherine Jones/Idaho Statesman.   Thanks to Katherine and Chris Butler from the Idaho Statesman for the terrific pictures and coverage of the World Games in Boise, Idaho.

Tags: , Andrus, athletes, Boise, Governor Otter, hospital, Idaho, let me win, Lori Otter, motto, Otter, special olympics