Re: (MC) This, that and the other
2008-Jan-11-0807hrs
Just thought I'd share this. feel free to edit if it's too long. pat
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To: mconline@yahoogroups.com

From: ryanallump22@hotmail.com

Date: Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:07:45 +0000

Subject: (MC) This, that and the other
Dear friends

Having been silent for such a long time I felt I should at least give some sign of life( I have been twice ïnvited" to unsubscribe! I so wanted to share the Shanghai Special Olympics experience of October, but time has gone by. The upside of that is that the experience continues in the e mails I receive from some of our University student aides who were of such great assistane to us, often at personal sacrifice of time and family visits... bear in mind that each is the ONLY child of the family and that they are at University during the week... some time off was given to allow them to be a part of the support system for the Olympics. Some have told me that they are now on a short list for the games in Beijing next year and ALL of them have now become very active in support of special needs children whom they touch base with at weekends. That is so wonderful

On Montserrat we are trying to keep Special Olympics and support for special needs people in our community a reality but we need VOLUNTEERS at all levels: training, transport, socialisation, help at events... the list is endless. We have had to say goodbye to the Foote family who were a tremendous support team, Kirsten Carty also leaves us soon. Kurt Foote was our official Trainer and anyone who knows Tammy Foote knows how many slots she filled in the community. Their children,Tyler, Travis Caleb and Parker always pitched to help and were particularly supportive of our special athletes. If anyone out there wants to know how they can help just give me an e mail shout . Get your friends on island to join us too. We want to start a swimming programme as well.

Life on island during the past year has been great in some areas but leadership at the political level still leaves much to be desired. We are still to see anything of the promised INTEGRITY LEGISLATION which is apparently not getting the support of the Chief Minister's colleagues. This was the pillar of his political campaign. Ralph Gonsalves hinted very broadly, no, TOLD HIM to do a "Samson"and bring down the house!. Don't know what he's waiting on.

Most of you have probably seen festival events on www.zjb.gov.ms so i wont go into details here. I am looking forward to the calypso finals . I always want Herman Cupid Francis to win because he has a unique perspective... the Title of the song is only a tease and I wait in anticipation to see where he will come from! His voice souds much better this year and I hope it holds out.

Finally, I was very pleased to hear that Dino Baker of MSS was given a Funky Man Award last evening at the Cultural Centre. Dino had been the first to admit that he was on a negative trail and decided to do something about it. In a school culture where a relative handful of students give the institution a really bad name, he has decided practically on his own to make a difference in his life. He is bright and intelligent and a B+ average for his recent efforts is evidence of this. My wish is that others will follow his lead.

Best wishes to all of you for 2008, a leap year when they say good things happen and when, according to the legend of Sadie Hawkins ( remember the Lil Abner comic strip? ) unmarried ladies who have their eyes on an eligible male are allowed to propose... go for it ladies! Some guys are really shy and some think you are too good for them so help them out!

God bless us all. pat
Pat Ryan