A few years ago, at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine
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. All, that is, except one little boy who
stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of
times, and began to cry.

The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down
and looked back. Then they all turned around and went
back. Every one of them. One girl with Down's Syndrome
bent down and kissed him and said: "This will make it
better."

Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the
finish line. 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 matters in this life
is more than winning for ourselves. What matters in
this life is helping others win, even if it means
slowing down and changing our course.