26
DARE I SAY IT
KEY WEST WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 16, 2016
THE FACE OF COURAGE
Special Olympian delivers
T
We Repair STIHL Products
here was something different about Michael Neri as he stood at the podium in the Marriott Beachside banquet room. Sure, he was BRITT nervous — who MYERS wouldn’t be in front of the Rotary traded in a life of monetary success, Club of Key West, which assembles a a chiseled body and intellectual membership full of enlightenment for notable businessa piece of the pie men and women of the Keys Weekly every Thursday? newspapers. He But on that day, it is also the proud parent of an was crowded, even incredible fivefor our club’s stanyear-old and a dards, which typisucker for Michael Mann movies and cally has at least convenience store 150 in attendance. hot dogs. For anyone to face our club, it takes courage. We have guest speakers every week, but Michael Neri was different. Not just because the 35-year-old was a decorated Special Olympian, a leader among his peers and employee with MARC’s Mobile Landscape Crew — but because he possessed an air of confidence forged well before that day. Although he slowly read from a prepared speech, the room quickly fell silent; only Neri’s voice as he slowly worked his way through a powerful journey of courage and determination. For most, it would have taken about two minutes to read Neri’s speech. But it took him more than five — another hint that he had faced mountains in his life, only to climb each one as it came. During his story, there were tears in many of the eyes around the room; I know this because I was one of them. And it ended with a standing ovation. To honor our local Rotarians throughout the Keys, I am sharing Michael’s story, just as he wrote and delivered it to our club. He still inspires me today—as well as the hundreds of men and women in Monroe County who practice the Four Way Test.
My name is Michael Neri. I am an athlete leader. I have been participating in Special Olympics for over 20 years. I started with the sport of Speed Skating in New York at age 10. My dad took me to practices and games. He loved watching me get my medals. My dad was my best coach. My dad died from cancer in 1980. I am glad that my dad and I shared Special Olympics. He would be proud to know that I compete in bowling, paddleboarding, swimming bocce and cycling. I also like triathlon. My favorite sport is paddleboarding because I can be on the water and I feel free. The thing I like best about Special Olympics is competing and having fun with my friends. I know that my dad is [with] us too, when we say the Special Olympics athlete’s oath: ‘Let me win but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt.’ Thank you for coming tonight to support me and my friends. Note: For more on how to support or volunteer with local Special Olympics visit: specialolympicsflorida.org/Monroe/