Read on for some thoughts from Matt Hoegg and Ted Rivers, general managers with STAPLES Business Depot, about STAPLES' softball tournament held in Burnaby, British Columbia last month. An annual tradition, the tournament sees Special Olympics athletes taking part in the fun, and while the sense of competition is palpable, one thing is also abundantly clear: all are unified in their enjoyment of the game and in their respect for one another.“When I phoned ahead to find out how we did, I was told we lost 15-0!! Apparently not only did we not score, but our opponent got maximum runs in each innings. When I arrived, I expected to find a dejected crew, bitter from such a defeat. This was not the case. All I saw was 10 STAPLES’ employees and six Special Olympics athletes grinning from ear to ear. While we went on to lose our final two games, what stuck with each and every one of us was the weather, the food, the fun and the friendships made. It made me proud to work for STAPLES and even more proud to be associated with such a wonderful charity as Special Olympics.” – MATT HOEGG
“Every year when the Special Olympics Ball Tournament comes around I look forward to an inspiring day. Today was no different. … If you ever need to know why it’s important that we support Special Olympics I want to share the story of Sean with you. He was playing with the team from (store) #176. He is not as physically coordinated as many of the others … but he is trying his best. He is up at bat in a tie game, with two outs and the bases are loaded. After receiving the first few pitches he connects with a line drive between first and second base. Off he runs to first, driving in the go ahead runs. Hearing the cheers from his team and supporters and seeing that smile on Sean, I realized that he got a chance to ‘hero for the day’. This was his moment in the spotlight. …. what a moment. Sometimes in retail it is difficult to find the “meaning in what we do. This was a great way to connect the dots. “ – TED RIVERS
