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To all our athletes, coaches, and volunteers:
The 2008 Summer Games have come and gone, but they were certainly Games we will not soon forget – and I ask that we do not forget. While we are home, many people in the Wabash Valley area are still coping with the floods of that weekend. Please keep those affected in your thoughts and prayers.
With so many thanks to give out, I want to thank our athletes and coaches in particular. Thank you for being patient. Thank you for staying calm. Thank you for displaying the Special Olympics spirit, even during trying times.
Thank you to our sponsors - Duke Energy and Duke Energy Foundation, McDonald’s, Markey’s Rental & Staging, Indiana Chemical Trust, Save-It Now, Wabash Valley Community Foundation, WTWO NewsChannel 2, Crossroads Communications, Indiana State University, Kroger, Pepsi, Ball State University, Indiana University, Lions Clubs International, Indiana Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, Fine Promotions, Walker Information, and the Frederick R. Benson Trust.
Special thanks to the Terre Haute Convention & Visitors Bureau for donating our beautiful billboards celebrating our event along the major roads leading to Terre Haute.
Finally, I want to share my fondest memory of the ’08 Summer Games. It came when I met a famous person. No, not Jim O’Brien, Head Coach of the Indiana Pacers and honorary chairperson of the ’08 Games (though Coach O’Brien was great to meet).
My memory is meeting Sean Kraeling of Ripley-Ohio-Dearborn. “Who is Sean Kraeling?” you may ask. He’s the billboard guy. If you joined us in Terre Haute, you undoubtedly saw our wonderful billboards advertising the Games . . . and there was Sean, racing in the 100-meter dash . . . larger than life.
Sean is not really that big in stature, but he is that large in spirit. With a sheepish grin and an enthusiasm deserving mention, he was almost embarrassed by his unofficial appointment as “Mr. Summer Games”. I like that - humbleness.
To all our athletes, I only wish we had a billboard large enough to include all of you. But be proud of Sean, he represents you well.
Take care. Get some rest. And see you at the 2009 Summer Games – our 40th!
Sincerely,
Jeff Mohler
Summer Games Director |