A few years ago, at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the100 yard dash.
At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with arelish to run the race to the finish and win. All, that is, except onelittle boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times,and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went back. Every one of them.
One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said: "This will make it better." Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on forseveral minutes. People who were there are still telling the story.
Why?
Because deep down, we know this one thing: What matters in this life ismore than winning for ourselves. What matters in this life is helpingothers win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course.
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