Special Olympics inspired the world

First Lady Michelle Obama has had the pleasure of attending many spectacular events, but I would venture to guess that opening the 14th Special Olympics World Games at the end of July had to rank with the most inspirational.

It wasn't because of the music, the fireworks or even the flaming torch that was carried from Greece. It was all about the athletes.

Almost 50 years after Eunice Kennedy Shriver decided to take her backyard competitions to an international level, the games were the largest gathering of athletes in Los Angeles since the 1984 Summer Olympics.

The first Special Olympics were held in 1968 in Chicago, with about 1,000 athletes and about 100 people in the stands. For the Los Angeles event, nearly 7,000 athletes representing 177 countries participated in tennis, soccer, swimming, weightlifting and even a triathlon, to name a few. Competition is open to athletes 8 and older who have intellectual disabilities that result in limitations in cognitive functions or other skills. To qualify, athletes must compete in sanctioned regional competitions.

Los Angeles World Games president and CEO Pat McClenahan, an Emmy-award-winning sports producer, understands how the power of television could bring the group's message to a world audience. He found a willing partner in ESPN. "This was an unprecedented TV deal that was all about finding a broadcast partner who understood the goal — get the stories of these athletes in front of as many eyeballs as possible," he said at a news event. "Once people see the courage and determination and joy, they're all inspired."

I hope you had the opportunity to watch the nightly highlight reels. They showed sports in their purest form.

ESPN hired Dustin Plunkett, a four-time Special Olympics World Games athlete, as a reporter for the Games. His job description was later upgraded to analyst.

Ten years ago, he was able to take part in the Healthy Athletes program, which offers a seven-point checkup. A volunteer dentist discovered that he had gum cancer and helped treat the disease.

Many of the inspirational stories will not even be related to sports. Kimberly Jasmine Guillen, 16, who goes by "Kimpossible," has won 69 medals competing in bowling and track and field. "I thought I was joining a team, but instead I realized that I joined a family," she said at the news conference. "Every athlete is like a brother or sister to me. Ever since I joined Special Olympics, I never want to give up on anything."

McClenahan hopes this message will resonate: "When people come in contact with our athletes or see our athletes perform, their perceptions change drastically. The greatest thing we can do for those with intellectual disabilities is to change the hearts and minds of people without intellectual disabilities so that kids befriend them in school, employers realize their great value … those real life-changing things."

Local Special Olympics organizations are always looking for help. If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity that is both inspiring and rewarding, I highly recommend it.

Mackay's Moral: I can't improve on the Special Olympics oath: "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."