So Serious Saturday #18

Fiction needs a basis in reality. Exercising non-fiction muscles once in a while benefits an active imagination, channeling creative energies as it focuses on a subject. So Serious Saturdays will be an active place for critical essays or writing about reality in the context of real events - even when it is not written on Saturdays.

Type: Television Program Review

Special Olympics

     The crowd cheered as the athletes streamed into the L.A. Coliseum, entering by nation but united in purpose: to demonstrate acceptance, bravery and, above all, joy to a world often missing lacking these essentials.

     For the first time ESPN broadcast the Special Olympic World Games. Guest stars welcomed and walked side-by-side with the thousands of athletes chosen to represent human ability. The 2015 opening ceremonies filled four hours with song, dance, introductions and speeches that celebrate the unity and the inclusion of the Special Olympics movement, which began 47 years ago in 1968.

     Some of the broadcast announcers could have treated the athletes interviewed or co-announcing with more dignity, but perhaps these announcers did not realize that they sounded and looked as if they were patronizing these individuals with odd questions and over-familiar touches. Perhaps with training, or over time our society learning respect for everyone, the common person will understand the inherent dignity and unique gifts in every human being.

     Addresses from former Special Olympic athletes to current Special Olympians held the most meaning, as their words were filled with insight, hope, and overflowing love. Their encouragement was effective for all observers.

     As the Olympic flame burned far above all the different faces in the Coliseum, the light was a reminder of the dreams and abilities of every person before, every person after, and every person experiencing that joyful night.