A few years ago at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine young contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win. It was a good race, and all were hurrying toward the finish line not far ahead of them. All, that is, except one boy who suddenly stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and lay there crying. The other eight contestants heard his cries. They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went to him. Everyone of them. One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed the boy and said, "This will make it better." Then all nine linked arms and walked across the finish line together. Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for several minutes. People who were there are still telling the story. Why? Because deep down we know this one thing: What truly matters in life is more than winning for ourselves—it's helping others to win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course.
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