Letter to the Editor

Letters to the editor

Tuesday, March 1, 2005

Special Olympics director resigns

Dear editor,

I'm writing this letter to inform the communities of the Southwest Area that I am resigning from the Area Director position for Special Olympics Missouri Southwest Area as of May 1.

I am taking on a new adventure that is very much a personal endeavor. I plan on spending the next chapter of my life helping a friend in need. Although it is difficult for me to leave my position, it is what I need to do. I plan on continuing to be involved in Special Olympics with the Kansas program.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful athletes and coaches I've come to know for making the last three years memorable and positive. To the many volunteers, families, sponsors, law enforcement officers and community supporters, thank you. Without you, the Southwest Area would not have experienced the progressive and upward growth it can claim today. New athletes and coaches are enjoying the benefits of Special Olympics, new agencies are now involved, sponsors continue to offer financial support, and opportunities to create more public awareness abound; there are so many positive things that have happened for the Southwest Area program that I can't begin to list them all and I am grateful.

I'm confident the communities of the Southwest Area will welcome and support the new Area Director with the same dedication, compassion and respect that they have shown me.

Special Olympics can "Inspire Greatness" in all of us. This I know and will always keep close to my heart.

Robbie Bryan

Special Olympics Missouri

Southwest Area director

* Special Olympics Missouri Southwest Area currently serves 1,779 athletes in the following counties: Vernon, Barton, Jasper, Newton, McDonald, St. Clair, Cedar, Dade, Lawrence, Barry, Hickory, Polk, Green, Christian, Stone, Taney, Douglas, Webster, Dallas.

Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental disabilities. 14,178 athletes participate in 19 Olympic-type sports throughout the state. Special Olympics provides people with mental disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their fellow athletes, their family and friends, and communities across Missouri.Please visit www.somo.org for more information.