Hi. My name is Eric Retelle. I am 27 years old. Before Special Olympics, I was really shy and didn't know anyone. I didn't have very many friends. I didn't like to talk to people because I was different.
I was constantly picked on by a couple of my peers. They pretended to be my friend and ended up getting me into trouble. I was trying to fit in and couldn't find a place where I belonged.
Until one day, when I was 8 years old. I joined Special Olympics. I was scared at first, but then all of the athletes came up to me and said "hi," and I became friends with lots of people!
Today, I compete in Basketball, Track & Field and Bowling with Special Olympics.
Whenever I compete, I remember the Special Olympics oath: Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. That means it is good to win all of the games that you play but if, somehow, you lose, you have to be a good sport. It is ok to lose, as long as you try hard.
In track, I've always done the 200M Run, but this year I wanted to do more. I talked to my coach and decided to do the 1500M walk. During the race, I got hurt. My calf was in so much pain that I wanted to give up. But I
was brave and I finished the race! I got a 4th place ribbon - and even though I didn't win, I felt really proud of myself.
I know that if it wasn't for Special Olympics telling me to be brave in the attempt, I would be too scared to try many things in life.
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