Though the two young men had not been asked, they began to work in the yard. Soon a crowd of people gathered on a nearby hillside to watch them. This was the first time they had seen a white man helping a black man in their community. As a result, families in the neighborhood began to invite Brinton and his companion into their homes. This is the state's largest Special Olympics competition, with more than 1,000 athletes competing.
Volunteers are essential to the games' success.
Of the 3,000-plus volunteers who will help run this year's Special Olympics in Provo, Utah, most are BYU students. A surprise tribute was recently given to principal Stan Butler at Manila Elementary School in Pleasant Grove, Utah. In addition to being principal, Butler is a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. At school, he is known for serenading teachers at faculty meetings and also for writing songs for the children to sing. Butler has been principal at the school for the past six years and is being transferred to another area school.