Like the Richter scale measures earthquakes, participation and enthusiasm measure sports. Special Olympics Oregon changes the sports landscape with fault lines stretching across the state.
A survey of SOOR started with 1080 The Fan where Primetime with Isaac and Big Suke featured a 28 hour radiothon fundraiser. Businesses donated goods and services, listeners called in to bid on them to the tune of $130,000.
During one of the segments, a guest came on.
Kerry Tymchuk is Chairman of the Board for Special Olympics Oregon. His day job is Executive Director of the Oregon Historical Society. An Oregon history museum might have sports related references to buffalo chip tossing, or sheep dog herding, but not this one.
OHS hosted American sports most iconic objects. The treasures Mr. Tymchuk allowed in the door include the Marcus Mariota Heisman Trophy from the University of Oregon.
That’s a big ‘get’ but not bigger than the Seattle Seahawks Lombardi Trophy for their Super Bowl win over the Denver Broncos.
If that’s not enough, the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup also joined the fun during the Portland Winterhawks playoff run.
The Oregon Historical Society’s connection to sports and Special Olympics Oregon includes a partnership with Oregon Sports Authority and the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame.
While planning their new space, the Hall of Fame stored their collections in the history warehouse. The annual induction of Oregon greats into The Hall also brought OHS curator Lori Erickson to the table. Talk about broadening the sports base.
Oregon Special Olympics cross boundaries as if they don’t exist. From sports talk radio to history museums to halls of fame; from Nike to A-dec to the new champions of Major League Soccer Portland Timbers, SOOR athletes show sport in a light that shines for all.
It starts with the competitors’ motto:
“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
That can apply to all of us in everything we do.
Be brave, readers, and make your run at greatness.
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