Faster, Higher, Stronger

The Summer Olympics have begun, and I must admit, I get swept up in the spectacle. Thousands of athletes from all over the world gather to give their absolute best on behalf of their country. It’s enough to give you goose bumps and make even the most cynical of people feel patriotic.

The Games are the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and persistence for the athletes. For some, standing atop the podium is the goal, when they hear their country’s national anthem play as a gold medal rests against their chest. But for most others, simply being at the Olympics is the achievement.

Perhaps the official Olympic creed states it best: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”

The first Olympic Games held under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee occurred in Athens in 1896. It featured 241 athletes from 14 nations competing in 43 events. The Summer Games in London will include more than 13,000 athletes from more than 200 countries and colonies in nearly 400 events.

The Olympic motto is Citrius, Altrius, Fortius or faster, higher, stronger. These must truly be the words that the participating athletes live by in their daily routines and practices.

I can’t help but relate the spirit of the Games and how our community rallies together to achieve great things. Volunteers and businesses are giving back and doing what is right for those in need. I don’t know that I’ve met anyone who seeks a way out of doing something helpful or beneficial for others.

Quite the contrary. I continuously meet individuals asking me how they can help. They want to volunteer. They want to make a difference. They want to be of service to others, and they turn to United Way to make that connection.

Maybe we’re not looking to be faster or higher. But we are collectively trying to be a stronger, safer, and healthier community. As soon as we cross the finish line we line up for the next race. Sure there will always be needs, but as we successfully meet those current needs there will be new ones to which we turn our attention.

I can assure you that we are working our hardest each and every day. We are persistent about finding new ways of helping people and moving the needle on important community conditions in education, income, health and housing. We are dedicated to engaging more people in our work so that we can advance the common good for all.

Yes, there are triumphs along the way to celebrate. We refer to them as “results.” But there is a constant challenge to achieve more, to do it more efficiently and effectively, and to keep your trust and confidence while doing so.

Live United!