The athletes had come from all over the country
To run for the gold, for the silver and bronze
Many the weeks and the months of their training
And all coming down to these games

The spectators gathered around the old field
For cheering on all these young women and men
The final event of the day was approaching
Excitement grew high to begin

The blocks were all lined up for those who would use them
The hundred yard dash was the race to be run
There were nine resolved athletes in back of the starting line
Poised for the sound of the gun

And the signal was given, the pistol exploded
And so did the runners all charging ahead
But the smallest among them, he stumbled and staggered
And fell to the asphalt instead

He gave out a cry in frustration and anguish
His dreams and his efforts all dashed in the dirt
But as sure as I'm standing here telling this story
The same goes for what next occurred

The eight other runners pulled up on their heels
The ones who had trained for so long to compete
One by one they all turned round and went back to help him
And brought that young boy to his feet

Then all the nine athletes joined hands and continued
The hundred yard dash now reduced to a walk
And the banner above that said "Special Olympics"
Could not have been more on the mark

For it's how the race ended, with nine gold medals
For they came to the finish line holding hands still
And the standing ovation and nine beaming faces
Said more than these words ever will

That's how the race ended, with nine gold medals
For they came to the finish line holding hands still
And the banner above that said "Special Olympics"
Said more than these words ever will
So much more than these words ever will