This past week over 1,500 athletes traveled from all over Montana to Missoula for the 2017 State Summer Special Olympic Games. It was three short (depending on your perspective) days full of athletics, ceremonies, dancing and much much more. These athletes train months in advance and travel long hours to attend this annual event. They arrive, play their hearts out in whatever event they participate and cheer anyone and everyone on until the last race is finished, the last game is played, and the last ribbon is handed out.

I have had the great joy of spending countless days with these same athletes; being their coach, fan, and friend. Days that will be cherished forever. Witnessing the joy that they spread no matter the outcome, the love that they share for each other, and the things that they work so hard to achieve.

Following the closing of one of my favorite events for the entire year, I wanted to share some things that I think we all can learn from these amazing athletes.

1. Don't Ever Give Up

These athletes have been dealt what we may consider to be the hardest life. But they don’t see it that way. And neither should we. Yes, these individuals have to work harder, so much harder, for everything that they have but they do persevere through it all. They train and train and train for events all year round. They have basketball in the fall, winter games in winter, and the summer games to round it all out. They EARN the privilege to travel hours upon hours to compete and then what do they do?2. Don't Be a Poor Spot -- Instead Be Grateful

2. Don't Be a Poor Sport -- Instead Be Grateful

Not only do these athletes compete in teams for certain events but they also compete individually and sometimes against their own teammates. Sometimes they win, but sometimes they lose. But what you will hardly ever see is someone with a frown, you will see the joy in the smile that spreads across their face no matter the outcome. Whether they were first or last behind a friend or even a stranger, they are just happy to be where they are with the opportunity to compete.

3. Love Others

These athletes have a special place in my heart for many more reasons than one, but one that I will not overlook is their love for everyone. I love the love that they spread. They love everyone with no end. They don’t care who you are, where you came from, or what you’re doing. They just want to love you and for Pete’s sake, let them! It will be a love unlike anything you’ve ever had and one that we should all strive to imitate.

This being said, each and every very one of us can rip out a page from the books of these athletes. Let us all strive to be more like these amazing athletes. Being a part of Special Olympics no matter your role, whether it be a coach, an athlete, or a fan, it is with no doubt that I say that it will change your life and it will change it for the better.