With the economic challenges and austerity plan causing Greece serious problems, a breath of fresh air occurred as the largest sporting event in the world opened with the 2011 Special Olympic World Games. MJ Mc Colgan and his Mom Linda and Dad Mike represented the USA as participants in these World Games. MJ also participated in the Ireland in 2003 and China in 2007. Vanessa Williams was the Master of Ceremony of the the 5 hour Las Vegas like show that featured 185 nations, opera singers, fireworks and headlined by Stevie Wonder on a warm crystal clear night in Athens. The event was held in Panathenaikon Stadium that was built with white marble in 450 and held the first modern Olympics in 1896. 80,000 people enjoyed the fun filled evening.
From the Special Olympics Web Site, "On the evening of the 25th of June, the hearts of the Greek people were beating with joy as one at the Kallimarmaron Panathenaikon Stadium! The Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Summer Games ATHENS 2011 will signal the beginning of the greatest athletic, cultural, educational and humanistic event of 2011, whereas on the evening of the 4th of July, 10 days later, we will celebrate one last time. The feeling of satisfaction born by the completion of an important mission will meet with the smile of hope and optimism for the future. The emotion of the Closing Ceremony will bring to life once again the Kallimarmaron Panathenaikon Stadium.
Not only Athens, but the whole of Greece will spread the global message of peace, respect of being different, acceptance, social inclusion and equality.
With these principles as our guide, Creative Director Fokas Evangelinos will present a spectacle of great aesthetic and artistic value, using globally recognized symbolism. He will be collaborating with renowned Greek and International artists: Stephanos Korkolis as Composer, Stage Designer Elias Ledakis and Costume Designer Ellie Papageorgakopoulou.
Join the 25,000 volunteers, 2,500 coaches, 2,000 judges, 40,000 friends and family of the athletes but above all join the 7,000 athletes who will parade with pride and joy.
The Special Olympics World Games will be the crowning of a long lasting movement founded in 1968 by a great woman, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who managed to realize her dream of global magnitude."
Not only Athens, but the whole of Greece will spread the global message of peace, respect of being different, acceptance, social inclusion and equality.
With these principles as our guide, Creative Director Fokas Evangelinos will present a spectacle of great aesthetic and artistic value, using globally recognized symbolism. He will be collaborating with renowned Greek and International artists: Stephanos Korkolis as Composer, Stage Designer Elias Ledakis and Costume Designer Ellie Papageorgakopoulou.
Join the 25,000 volunteers, 2,500 coaches, 2,000 judges, 40,000 friends and family of the athletes but above all join the 7,000 athletes who will parade with pride and joy.
The Special Olympics World Games will be the crowning of a long lasting movement founded in 1968 by a great woman, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who managed to realize her dream of global magnitude."
MJ Mc Colgan and 4 others have also been selected to the 2011 San Ramon Hall of Fame. MJ said "he is very proud to be added to this impressive list of names and the four years spent working with Coach Dave Kravitz taught him how to be a true winner on and off the golf course."
The other inductees are:
Julie Jenkins, 1992; former H.S. national leader in High Jump, current multi-record holder at SR and current HJ record holder at Boise St.
Brady Raggio, 1990; All-NorCal pitcher, current multi-record holder at Chabot (win pctg. and ERA), JC All-American, 3 yrs. in the Majors.
Kurt Hollmer, 1974; Football and Track, current record holder in long jump, tailback at USC, Tri-Valley Hall of Fame
Mike Caldwell, 1989; Football, set 6 EBAL records, Tri-Valley Hall of Fame, WR at Cal, and 2 yrs. with the SF 49ers
It's not the first time Mc Colgan has received similar honors. In 2004, he was inducted into the San Francisco Hall Of Fame and into the Michigan Hall Of Fame -- where he was born -- in 2006.He has also been Nominated for the 2011 California Hall Of Fame. Mc Colgan is a three-time National Special Olympics Golf Champion and Global Ambassador. He was also a four-year varsity letterman at San Ramon High School. From the Special Olympics web site,"The Special Olympics World Games will be the crowning of a long lasting movement founded in 1968 by a great woman, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who managed to realize her dream of global magnitude." .San Ramon Valley High School is celebrating its 100th year anniversary this year and some famous inductees in the school's Hall of Fame include Mark Madsen of the Los Angeles Lakers; Randy Winn, who played for the Giants, Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals; Nate Sheirholtz, a member of the World Champion SF Giants; and Bob Ladouceur, a De La Salle High School coach with 151 wins, the longest winning streak in the U.S. The Inductee ceremony and dinner will be October.20 at Crow Canyon Country Club. |
