April Holmes: One step closer

Let our ideas help instill in the world the sense of infinite possibilities. May our hunger for greatness, thirst for victory, and eagerness for life shine through in everything we do in London.

We have spent countless hours perfecting our crafts. We have spent endless nights dreaming of gold and imagining our National Anthems being played. Some athletes have even rehearsed their celebratory actions, after completing their glorious quest for Paralympic greatness.

As you think that you’re one step closer, take a moment to think about where you came from.

Did you crawl out of the hospital bed?

Was your story one of overcoming all the harmful things other kids said about your abilities?

When you had trouble with your wheelchair, difficulty with your prosthesis, or trouble seeing your way, did you think of quitting?

Was practice sometimes too tough, that you thought your coach was trying to kill you?

Just know that you are one step closer…

The truth is you sprinted past depression.

You jumped over adversity.

You threw yourself into your dreams so you could represent your country, your family, and yourself on the biggest stage: the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

While many people will tell you that you are here to win, the truth is very few will be victorious but all of us are winners. When you put on your countries uniform, you have won the right to compete for them.

We have the unique opportunity to motivate people in life and in sport. If you are like me and train with Olympic athletes, you will see that you also contribute to their success.

However, winning here also requires us to learn and educate others about our journeys, so they can get their gold medal in life. They may never get the chance to compete here, but we can inspire them to set goals, overcome obstacles and be rewarded for their successes.

As you prepare yourself for your Paralympic moments, know that you are a champion in enabling those with disabilities; they are more than capable of doing anything their dreams and goals allow them.

You have been a champion to those who lacked direction or sense of purpose to be the greatest them they can be.

You have been a champion to the hopeless to find hope and the weak to gain strength. It should be our dreams that our actions have inspired they world to say, “No obstacle will stand in my way of my gold medal moment.”

I pray that you came into these 2012 Paralympic Games with the desire to BE GREAT!

I pray you leave with that same desire. The Paralympic Movement needs great ambassadors who have forged friendships with other countries and athletes that are willing to promote the power of sports to people with disabilities in lands near and far.

Let our ideas help instill in the world the sense of infinite possibilities. May our hunger for greatness, thirst for victory, and eagerness for life shine through in everything we do in London.

We can look forward to representing our countries, competing in the arenas, and swapping pins, but don’t overlook the journey or the friendships. You’re one step closer to your dreams! See you around the village… @AprilHolmes