The response to the call for blue & white scarves for the Special Olympic winter games can only be described as one of Olympian proportions. From Coats & Clark we say to the guilds, the grammar schools and the groups online and every one who sent a scarf -- a big THANK YOU!!
The tally at the World Winter Games has surpassed 60,000 handmade scarves. At the games held last month, athletes, delegates, dignitaries, fans and supporters donned the scarves lovingly made by knit and crochet enthusiasts from around the world. There were so many scarves received that the Games Organizing Committee (GOC) made them available to people in the communities throughout the area to give them an opportunity to become a part of the World Winter Games family and join a sea of blue and white to welcome the athletes to Idaho. (Note: Donations were welcomed, but no scarves were sold)
The scarves made an appearance wrapped around Special Olympic athletes who participated in the Inauguration Parade of President Barak Obama Tuesday, January 20, in Washington DC. Vice-President Joe Biden sported one when he made a presentation at the Special Olympics. See photo.
During the opening ceremonies in Boise, February 7 a special mention was made about the love that went into each and every stitch, keeping the athlete warm and encouraging them to reach for their goals
Stories of great giving are emerging from this outpouring of support like the students in the Birmingham, MI school district who, over their winter break, made over 300 scarves, some knitting and crocheting for the first time ever. These kids reached out to their parents, grandparents and teachers to learn the craft, making the experience not only charitable but generational. The staff from Coats & Clark offices made 460 while Ravelry.com supporters contributed over 1,200 alone.
See more photos from the games here.
About the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games:
The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games were held in Idaho, USA, 7-13 February 2009 and nearly 2,500 athletes from more than 100 countries competed. Surpassing the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games in athlete numbers and participating nations, the World Winter Games was the largest multi-day winter sporting event ever held in Idaho. Competition took place in seven winter sports – Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Floor Hockey, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing and Speed Skating. For more information, visit www.2009WorldGames.org.