2009 IRI THANK YOU

[JaneYoung]

I'd like to take a moment to say thank you to everyone. There were many opportunities in the stands, the cafeteria, and the pits, to hear team stories and learn about the regions that volunteers and teams traveled from and what that's about. It was also a golden opportunity to see the host teams working their butts off with smiles on their faces - the entire time. I visited the concessions stands several times for coffee replenishment and no matter the time or the day, the volunteers were smiling, cheerful, and generous.

I also want to tip my hat to each and every team that I spoke with, visited with, observed, and enjoyed. You were - all - magnificent. On the field and off the field. Sometimes delightfully so - like when observing an upside-down styrofoam cup seemingly moving and spinning across the floor all by itself - surrounded by members of 116.

To those who participated in the Talent Show. Thank you. I enjoyed every moment either smiling, laughing, or sitting with tears in my eyes. Meredith's white board comments often expressed what I was thinking. Talent Show judges - you guys were so fun and funny. Thank you for adding the spice, the running commentary via white boards, and also, for those quiet moments.

Hope everyone is returning home safely.
Jane

P.S. oh yes, a highlight that inspired this post. Arm-waving to the song, Sweet Caroline, by Neil Diamond - sitting behind 234 and watching them 'teach' the visiting teams across the way - watching hands, touching hands reaching out - touching me - touching you. It was beautiful.