Team Smiley Visits Special Olympics Summer Games

Team Smiley veterans have raved to this year’s team about one of the greatest events of the summer. It wasn’t until this past Saturday that we experienced this first hand.

The Special Olympics of Pennsylvania gathered at Pennsylvania State University this weekend to participate in a “life-changing movement of people helping people.” Team Smiley discovered the humility of the athletes at the Special Olympics Summer Games, and how they truly live by the Athlete Oath, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Smiley poses with members of one team participating in the Special Olympics

At our Smiley Cookie decorating tent, athletes shared their optimism, stories of their games - whether they were wins or losses - and their courage, which made us Team Smiley members believe in all that is right with the human spirit. This experience echoes the mission of the Special Olympics, and we now understand why the athletes in years past have left a lasting impact on our team members. Their memorable personalities have warmed our hearts and have uplifted us. We are grateful for the opportunity to meet and bring smiles to over a thousand athletes of every age.

Smiley and the athletes enjoy a little dancing!

You can be certain that we'll pass on what a wonderful experience we had at the Special Olympics, continuing the tradition of telling future Team Smiley members about one of the greatest events of our summer!

Katie
Team Smiley