***Editor’s Note: The following is a letter from Timothy Shriver and Brady Lum, the respective Chairman and President of the Special Olympics, sent to supporters of the organization via email. It was sent in response to the recent attention brought on by President Barack Obama’s questionable remarks on “The Tonight Show” late last week.

This past Monday, “The Thirsty Quill” ran an editorial on President Obama’s comparison of his own bowling skills to that of “the Special Olympics.” Reactions to the article (and Obama’s remarks) have been mixed among our readers. I wanted to share this letter with you as a follow-up.***

Dear Friends:

In recent days, Special Olympics has been in the news more than ever, but certainly not in a way any of us could have expected. Over and over again, people have asked us: “What is Special Olympics’ position in the world today?” “Why is Special Olympics so important?”

This is a teachable moment and our lessons have never been more urgent or more valuable. Today, Special Olympics is the world’s most powerful movement promoting the dignity and value of all people. Inspired by the courageous examples of 3 million athletes in more than 180 countries competing in 30,000 events each year, Special Olympics is a community-building, life-changing experience through year-round sports competition, health, education and inclusion opportunities.

Events of recent days have reminded us all that we must rededicate ourselves to this vision and to empowering our athletes to show it.

We went to our athletes to ask them for their guidance and insight. As always, they speak best for themselves.

• “These are tough times. So many of our athletes never get the chance to train and compete because programs are being cut, especially in poor countries. We need your support. You don’t have to give much, but anything you give is a lot to us. Please donate.” - Loretta Claiborne
• “I know everyone makes mistakes, but now we need everyone’s help. I’m asking everyone to Spread the Word to End the Word.” - Eddie Barbanell
• “Everyone should try to volunteer or at least cheer at Games this spring and summer. There are Games everywhere. We can teach the world, but you have to come out and volunteer.”

In closing, we want to thank everyone who has expressed support for our athletes and our vision in recent days. We need you now more than ever.

Special Olympics isn’t just in a teachable moment. Special Olympics is a teachable movement. If we follow our athletes as fans of the human race, we will all learn lessons of a lifetime.

Timothy Shriver, Chairman               Brady Lum, President