Hi there —

Thanksgiving is a time of reflection: of looking back, taking stock, and finding grace in the currents of everyday life. 

So today, as I look back on the year that’s been, I’m thinking about our Special Olympics movement. I’m thinking about my mother’s belief in the dignity of every human being, a belief she held deeply in her soul. And I’m thinking about how all of us, from athletes and coaches to fans and volunteers, have helped spread Mom’s beliefs far and wide — this year, and every year.  

No doubt, there have been challenges along the way. 

Yet the last 12 months have also brought us so many bright spots. So many moments of joy. So much tangible, real progress toward our vision of a more inclusive world. And it's all thanks to folks like you.

More and more, our society isn't just talking about why The Revolution is Inclusion — it's taking action to build the world we want to see:

• You see it in the grit and determination of athletes like Chris Nikic, who became the first person with Down syndrome to ever finish an IRONMAN triathlon (and ran a few major marathons, too!) 
• You see it in the way that companies like United are growing their program of Special Olympics Service Ambassadors who help customers at airports, or how companies like Microsoft are helping to spread the word about how to make classrooms more inclusive in an age where so many kids feel so lonely. 
• And you see it in the way that person after person, in nearly every country in the world, did whatever they could to keep our movement running in the midst of so much challenge and struggle. Yes, I'm talking about YOU, Friend, and anyone else who gave their time or their treasure or just their love and support to making ours a fairer, more joyful, more inclusive world. 

We're opening hearts and minds. We're changing lives. We're living out my mother's vision of inclusion every single day, and that is something no virus, no struggle, will ever take away from us.

Today, when I sit down with my family, I'll be thinking about all of this. I'll be thinking about how grateful I am for the athletes, the families, the volunteers, the donors, the healthcare professionals, the coaches — and people like you who make our movement tick.

With my best wishes for a joyous Thanksgiving,