A Special Family's thoughts on Special Olympics

President Dave Owens opened the meeting with the invocation (thanks Sid), Pledge of Allegiance led by our speaker - Kristen Arias, and a new Rotary song led by Sid, Art told a "blond" joke and visitors were introduced, including our special guest speakers, Patty and Kristen Arias.

Pete Zotovich shared his Rotary Moment..... He was always impressed with the things that the Rotary Club does, including all they did for Morro Bay High School where he was Vice Principal and especially the eradication of polio. His father in law, Walter Dorn (brother to Morro Bay's ex-Mayor Warren Dorn), had perfect attendance during the 56 years he was in Rotary, so Pete always heard about what a wonderful organization Rotary is. When he became Principal at Morro Bay, he knew this would be the club he would want to join.

Heidi encouraged those who haven't been, to go to Basic PRLS in Santa Maria this Saturday. There are three Rotarians signed up to go at this time; contact her if you are interested.

Sarah updated us on the Fish Fry to be held on Saturday, August 31st. Both Dinner and Raffle Tickets are available for sale...... Contact Sarah to get some.

Jamie gave a report on Surf Camp, which was a great event enjoyed by all participants, despite injuries to a couple of our First Responder club members. The first meeting for Evening with Heart Event next year will be next Tuesday at 11:00am, right before the club meeting.

Amy said the Morro Bay Police Dept will be helping with Surf Camp on Friday, August 9th at 8:15am and welcomes anybody interested in joining them.  Also, on August 6th the MBPD and Neighborhood Watch will be hosting their First Annual National Night Out 2013 at the Police Dept, 850 Morro Bay Blvd from 5:00 to 7:00.  Food, games, Open House Tours, etc...  come join in on the fun.

Bruce said he still has more room for those who would like to help catch fish for the Fish Fry. The fishing trip will be next Wednesday, August 31st at 7:30am; meet at Virg's, 1169 Market.

David found various reasons for fining the following Club Members: Jamie Boucher (for not warning against possible injury at PSC), John Weiss (for never having worn a wetsuit before), Amy Christey and Mike Pond (for being the "injured"), Chuck Clarke (for having good karma), Ken Casida (but Elsie has to pay), Jude Long (for being too good at awards) and Ken Stilts (for his used computer program for schools).  Man oh man, I have a feeling we're going to make some $$ this year!!!

Ken Stilts needs previously used computers to recycle for schools etc.

John Weiss said Interact Club is coming up and he needs volunteers.

Today's program was mom and Special Olympics Coach Patty and her daughter, Kristen Arias.  Kristen, 25 years old, has been a participant in Special Olympics for 15 years and has won several medals, including gold, in many sports.  Kristen said she enjoys the contact sports best, especially floor hockey, and being an athlete has helped her grow in many ways.  She is thankful to have the support of family as well as many members of the community who train/coach these athletes.  There are 750 athletes in SLO County.  Special Olympics is a year- round program that depends entirely on members of the community for financial support to buy uniforms, equipment, traveling expenses etc.

Patty, Kristen's mom and coach, said Kristen was born healthy but at three weeks of age, contracted meningitis which caused her to have a fever of 107 and several strokes.  She was in critical condition three times in two years.....  Each time the medical staff had bad news for Patty and each time Kristen lived; after that Patty was determined to see what Kristen COULD do....  Not what she Could Not do.  They had many struggles the first few years but when Patty went to a Special Olympics meeting and heard the heart felt oath spoken by an athlete, she wept and she knew that was the organization she wanted to be a part of.

Society looks at the outside of a person with their eyes.... The amazing Special Olympians look at each other through their heart.  The worldwide program is open to athletes from ages 8 and up; with summer and winter games, they are busy training all year-round.

Patty recalled her favorite Special Olympics moment - her team had not won a game or even made a goal in a big Floor Hockey Tournament being held down in San Diego.  She went to the coach of the team they were playing in their last game and asked if he would allow her girls to just make one goal.  He put the girls who had previously been on the bench in the next game and not only was Kristen's team was able to make a goal, they won the game.  They were so excited to have achieved this victory..... They meet each challenge with Joy and Enthusiasm as values that will help them in life are passed on by their coaches and others.

Patty and Kristen did an excellent job of inspiring us with their story and the meaning of the Special Olympics oath: "Let me Win, But if I Cannot Win, Let me be Brave in the Attempt".