Last night I watched the opening of the Paralympic Games and everything was so moving and the feeling of joy just overwhelmed me and today I am watching my first sledge hockey game between Canada and Italy. Wow, it is so neat and I am inspired to rise above anything that I might perceive as a challenge in my life. Quite honestly, these athletes are giving me so much, I just feel, well, driven to get out and do something.

This past week, March 8th to be exact, I wrote a column "What does it take to be a Phenomenon?" Today, watching sledge hockey I saw numerous examples of the type of courage it takes to be a phenomenon, maybe they won't be Terry or Rick, but game itself is the example.

The players are the beneficiaries of Terry and Rick, their courage and efforts to rise above the challenge. The coolest part to me is realizing that their physical challenges have put them above any handicap they may have. These athletes are equal to those of us without the challenge, maybe better and we should recognize that in them.

We should never be uncomfortable around them, never hesitate to reach out and touch them, never for a moment, for we will be better because of the experience. They are giving us something that will make us better human beings. To these games and these athletes, thank you, I'm better because of you.

Well I'd like to stay, but I have game to get back to, see you tomorrow.

David Hutchison       david@transitionsadvertising.com

David Hutchison is President of Transitions Advertising www.transitionsadvertising.com Canada’s creative voice of seniors advertising. David is Board President of Promoting a Culture of Peace for Children Society of BC www.wartoystopeaceart.com