Day 2 from the Special Olympics World Winter Games here in Boise started with a little snow. It brought quite a bit of excitement from the athletes who come from countries where snow is a rare if never occurrence. I noticed the floor hockey team from Jamaica, who had the day before seemed quite miserable in the 35 degree air, blissfully looking up with mouth open hoping to get a taste of Winter.

I have 2 audio experiences that I took from today that illustrate the best of these Games. The first happened this morning at the Speed Skating Competition. The skater from Kuwait was more than 1 1/2 laps behind the other 3 competitors in a 3 lap race. When he had one lap to complete everyone started cheering. I mean everyone. The other racers, the fans, the athletes, the race officials, the timer, the volunteers, the police on duty and even the high school kids who were repairing the ice between races. It was the most sincere loving sound I had ever heard. The second audio moment came from the South African Floor hockey Team. While preparing for their 2pm match vs Kuwait, they began to sing a traditional song. Not only was it full of energy and enthusiasm, but it was fantastic. They sang beautifully and the enthusiasm spread throughout the entire arena. They basked in the attention they generated by dancing and smiling and facing many of the spectators who were not taking pictures of them.

Audrey had her picture taken with two more famous people today. See below for Audrey's new friends.
 

Check in tomorrow for more...