Editor, Times-Union: Recently at the Special Olympics Indiana State Summer Games, throughout the Indiana State University campus there was the constant reminder of two very important themes - patriotism and Special Olympics. Over 2,400 athletes competed in eight different venues. Spirited competition took place in bocce, bowling, 3-on-3 basketball, power lifting, swimming, gymnastics, horseshoes and track and field.
Executive Director of Special Olympics Indiana Dennis Schmidt was quoted as saying, "In June of 1970, for the first time, Indiana State University opened their athletic facilities, dormitories and campus to Special Olympics. Every year since, we have returned to the Terre Haute campus to renew the spirit of sports and competition. This spirit coupled with the renewed patriotism following September 11 makes for this year's Summer Games theme 'United in Spirit.' Spirit runs deep through the Special Olympic programs. The spirit of the volunteer giving of their time to coach and train the athletes. The spirit of the families coming together to cheer their sons and daughters to the finish lines. The spirit of our athletes reaching out to new levels of independence and achieving new friends. The spirit of the communities accepting our athletes as worthy citizens and good neighbors. And finally, the spirit that unites us all, Special Olympics. For the next three days, let us all focus on the spirit that brings us here to Terre Haute. It is this 'Uniting of Spirit' than makes us one."
The opening ceremonies began with the parade of athletes. Each of the 12 areas was attired in similar uniforms, most incorporating some type of patriotic theme. All were entertained in the typical Special Olympic tradition, which included country and western singer Clint Bullard, young ladies performing a variety of jump rope routines, another group of young ladies dancing to various styles of music and a group of ladies singing several patriotic songs. The conclusion of the opening ceremonies started with several police officers from across the state along with the Terre Haute Police Department Color Guard presenting the flag of this great nation while the crowd sang the "Star Spangled Banner." Then a police officer assisted the 2002 Special Olympic Athlete of the Year light the Special Olympic Flame. On numerous occasions throughout the program, the crowd stood and applauded the entertainers, the songs and the spirit.
"United in Spirit" - we live in the greatest nation in the world and no one individual or group of individuals can ever take that away.
Locally, the athletes competed in bocce, bowling, 3-on-3 basketball, track and field. The competition began Friday afternoon and ended Sunday at noon. The 26 Kosciusko County athletes left Terre Haute tired but happy with the five gold medals, six silver medals, two bronze medals and 16 ribbons for their fourth through eighth place finishes that they had earned.
One of our athletes that was schedule to go suffered a stroke two days prior to the games and was unable to attend. We are happy to report that she has recovered and has returned to work.
Congratulations to all the athletes for their hard work and effort as well as the coaches and chaperones who gave of themselves so that others could be a part of a great athletic and social interaction event.
If you would like more information on the programs offered or would like to become actively involved in Special Olympics, please contact Kosciusko County coordinator Becky Walls for more information at 574-594-2962 or walls@maplenet.net
Gene Hughes On behalf of the Special Olympic Kosciusko County Board of Directors
Mentone via e-mail
Greed
Editor, Times-Union: It is no mystery who are the primary individuals at fault for these scams; the board of directors! Specifically the salary committee. They determine the mechanics which motivate general management to perform. They arrange the incentives, primarily short- and long-term profit goals, which supposedly enhance stockholder value and provide dividends. When profit and stock value goals are met, the members of general management receive their contracted stock options, bonuses and salary increases. That's motive. But when these goals are given for short-term improvement, greed arises and you have schemes to enhance the appearance of great financial progress.
Secondly, any accounting instructor will tell you that the internal auditors and the outside auditors have either failed or are part of the scheme team. As it now stands, I will toss the next mailing of a company's annual report in the trash ... unread.
Harold Nicholls Warsaw via e-mail
McKee Not Investigated
Editor, Times-Union: On Tuesday, June 18, the Times-Union reported on the Tippecanoe Valley School Board meeting held on June 17. The brief report in the newspaper left many readers to believe that high school assistant principal Rod McKee was under some kind of police investigation. The Times-Union did a print clarification, however, many people apparently missed that article and continue to ask questions. For the record, Mr. McKee received an unsigned letter in his home mailbox which had threatening statements toward his family. The contents of the letter also indicated there was a connection with the school. Mr. McKee initiated an investigation which was conducted by the state police. Mr. McKee is not under investigation nor is he responsible for any wrongdoing. Thank you.
Charles Mills, principal Tippecanoe Valley High School
