When I asked special Olympics athlete, Rhonda Cohen, if she would like to write the opening speech for the 5th Annual Great Neck Games Special Olympics of Nassau County and read it to a crowd of 200 people, Rhonda enthusiastically responded, "Yes Amy, it would be an honor!"

And now, I wish to introduce Great Neck Spirits Special Olympics athlete, Rhonda Cohen, to the readers of the Great Neck Record, and share Rhonda's beautiful opening speech with you. Rhonda's presentation was proudly read on Sunday, June 4, at the Great Neck Games of 2000.

"Dear Friends, honored guests, families and members of the Great Neck Spirits Special Olympics...

My being part of the Great Neck Spirits has been the highlight of this year for me! My being part of the team has given me a few advantages such as having confidence in myself and respect for my teammates and opponents. To make this all worthwhile, I would sincerely like to thank Alan, Ed, Joan, Jon and Amy for standing by us and helping me be a part of a winning team! I would also like to thank both my Mom and Dad and my whole family for giving me a lot of courage and making me believe in myself with pride and dignity. I would also like to thank my sister, Beth, for taking time from her busy schedule for coming to the game today. I would also like to thank David for being there and giving me as much support as possible. I would also like to thank Park Commissioner, Ruth Tamarin, for introducing me to the Great Neck Spirits program. To my fellow teammates, I would like to say that it is great being with all of you and I really enjoy all the friends I have here in the Great Neck Spirits program! Being a part of a team with people like you has helped me learn how to depend on friends and become a better person myself! Thank you again and I look forward to seeing all of you in 2001!