To the editor:
Thank you to all the Biathlon Junior World Championship volunteers.
Baron de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic movement, was the son of aristocrats, growing up in a late 19th century Paris still reeling from the disastrous Franco-Prussian War. Even at an early age he was concerned about what he saw as a ruling class unprepared for the challenges emerging in Europe. He committed himself to a career in education, hoping to change that. He traveled to America and England at the beginning of his career where he noticed a direct relationship between vigorous exercise and competition, and success in the classroom. He also saw a strength-of-character and optimism in the students in the British and American systems — which included compulsory physical education — and which were missing in the French system.
His writings following these trips, and as he began to develop the model for the modern Olympic movement, often included comparisons between the Olympic movement and life. “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part, just as the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.”
When the Maine Winter Sports Center was created 15 years ago it was with this same principle in mind. In fact, this was one of the five Critical Success Factors identified for the sustained success of the MWSC.
“We believe the attributes critical to success as an Olympic athlete — commitment, discipline and a willingness to hold yourself accountable for your efforts and their results, are also a solid foundation for success in life.”
This is the message that we instill in all the athletes who come through our program, but I think it is also true of the volunteer organizations that have made the gains of the MWSC possible over our 15 years.
Unlike the large paid staffs supporting events in Europe, events like the Biathlon Junior World Championships, and the impact they have on the economy and culture of the region are only possible in North America through volunteers. The unique sense of community, competence and selflessness of Aroostook County’s volunteers in particular, have attracted the world’s attention five times now in the past 11 years and solidified your reputation of doing this as well, or better, than any other organizing committee in the World.
What has made events in The County unique over the years is your old-world world-view in which a generosity of spirit, honor, integrity and doing the right thing are central to your core values. De Coubertin also wrote; “The day when a sportsman stops thinking above all else of the happiness in his own effort and the intoxication of the power and physical balance he derives from it, the day when he lets considerations of vanity or interest take over, on this day his ideal will die.”
I believe he was speaking of the sense of humility and the strong ethical sense of the people of Aroostook County when he wrote this. It certainly captures your unique and passionate sense of community.
As another successful international event came to a close I was struck by how blessed we are to have had the calm, capable, compassionate leadership of Jane and Steve Towle. I was also struck by the confidence I saw in so many volunteers as the week started. That comes from feeling prepared through training, but it also comes from feeling the support of those around you – from feeling a part of a true team. As the next event is considered it is important for every volunteer to see themselves as leaders within this team, responsible for continuing this culture of compassionate capability, and for a new generation of leaders to emerge from this remarkable team.
I offer a most sincere thank you to all who gave of themselves for this event. No effort was small and everyone added to an event that has again had a positive impact on the economy of the region. You have also ensured the continued interest of the International Biathlon Union and the world.
It continues to be my greatest honor to be a part of your lives.
Andy Shepard
President/CEO
Maine Winter Sports Center
