Last month, Lior, Yoni and I had the tremendous honor of attending the Special Olympics Intl World Winter Games. We were delighted, and humbled by the extraordinary display of athleticism and talent – by 2,000 athletes from nearly 100 countries.
Overall, I was stunned by the grand scale demonstration of exemplary qualities and contributions by people who are ordinarily dismissed. In magnificent style, in countries all over the world, and for the last 40 years, the Special Olympics has been making the same statement as Praying with Lior: everyone has something to offer, and some people are lucky enough to be brilliant. Lior is a radiant davener, and Russia’s Irina Nikitina has awe-inspiring speed skating times, Finland’s Jesse Honkonen’s slalom skills makes one’s jaw drop.
We had an incredible time. Lior and Yoni hung out with Vice President Joe Biden, figure skating champion Michelle Kwan, and our beloved friend and Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver. We watched athletes that took our breath away, and some that were just starting in their sports, courageously embracing the challenge.
We were hosted by effusive powerhouse and Boise local Dianne Hough, who shepherded us to great seats, delicious meals, and meaningful moments. Actually, the most meaningful moments were the spontaneous ones. We visited Russian athlete Alexander Rogov, who sliced open his tendon while speed skating, but finished the race for the sake of his team. Alexander earned an honorary gold medal.
Lior’s drumming in the hotel lobby attracted a crowd, including the head of the Uzbeki delegation. Pretty soon, he and Lior were having a “drum off,” exchanging drumming techniques. A local musician serenaded Lior, and he responded with his own drum serenade.
We screened the film, and Lior, Yoni and I answered questions. It was a delightful, international audience.
Perhaps the most moving part of the Special Olympics was Boise itself. Overnight, Boise was transformed, temporarily housing the highest per-person proportion of people with cognitive disabilities in the world. Boise was the most gracious host! It’s a Special Olympics custom to exchange pins, which athletes attach to their badge straps. Some people walk by with over 50, advertising international towns and banks and barbershops. At a downtown restaurant, a Boise cop leaned over and handed Lior a pin from the Boise Police Department.
And the scarves! When I first descended from the plane, I was greeted by several people wearing skinny blue and white scarves of different patterns. Soon, I saw those blue and white scarves were everywhere. Boise Special Olympics had put the call out to local knitting groups, asking volunteers to knit up donated blue and white yarn. They hoped for 5000 scarves, to warm all the athletes and coaches. Instead, they received over 55,000, from all over the world. The experience of the Boise Special Olympics was like living in a different world, a world where everyone is included, accepted, celebrated, befriended.
Lior with Vice President Joe Biden & Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver
Lior dancing with the mascot!
Lior and Yoni at the Figure Skating competition
Lior and Diane Hough dancing to YMCA!
Lior, Yoni and Ilana answering questions after the successful screening of Praying with Lior
Lior and Yoni answering questions
Lior signing autographs :)
