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ANOTHER GOOD DEED DONE IN
TRUE ODYSSEY SPIRIT
s
many of you already know, China, Japan and Hong Kong Odyssey of the
Mind teams did not make the trip to the 2003 World Finals because of the out-break
of the SARS virus in those countries. The teams competed in their countries’
tournaments and were anxiously awaiting the trip to World Finals when the out-break
happened. Although the teams were given a clean bill of health, they felt a responsibility
toward the safety of others. While the teams were missed by everyone at World
Finals, they certainly were not forgotten.
It started at Opening Ceremonies. When Program Director Sammy Micklus
announced the reason for the teams’ absence, the audience of 14,000 stood to give them
a standing ovation. It was a moving response, and we hoped that the teams were watching
the ceremonies via the live Internet broadcast from Hilton Coliseum at Iowa State
University. Then, the teams were given an honorary Outstanding OMER Award for putting
their concern for others ahead of their own wishes.
And that was only the beginning. Over the three-day competition that followed,
many World Finals teams collected pins, t-shirts and other souvenirs to send to their
friends abroad. The Division I, Fooled Ya team from Afton
Elementary School in Yardley, PA, collected pins at
Pennsylvania's booth at the Creativity Festival. Team members
waiting in the spontaneous area and at every competition
site wrote cards, notes and greetings to send to their international
friends.
Even NASA joined in the efforts. They donated boxes of
pins, mini-globes, educational CD's, and other materials for
the teams. After the event, the folks at Creative Competitions,
Inc. packed up all the memorabilia and sent it to the three
associations.
We thank everyone who contributed to making these
teams feel a part of the World Finals event. Even though they
could not be there in body, they certainly were in spirit. We
honor the teams from China, Hong Kong, and Japan for their
sacrifice, and, equally, we admire the World Finals teams
who unselfishly took time away from their own activities to
help their friends feel a part of the event. Teams - you make
us proud!
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