STAFFED: Kudos to Lincolnites

If pride is a sin, Lincoln residents have reason to feel sinful.
In the wake of the closing of the Special Olympics 2010 National Games, we are left to consider the outpouring of support from the Lincoln community in the midst of the state's largest ever sporting event. And what can we say, besides the fact that Lincoln residents rose to the challenge. From opening close, from airlift to airlift, through the ridiculous, humid, scorching heat and a lot of fun, our games had the largest number of volunteers the USA games have ever seen - 8,500 in all - with excess.
"It didn't even come at the last minute. We did not have to make a big last minute push," said Sarah Van Dalsem, media manager for the Special Olympics. "We were very fortunate in not having to go out and beg people - they just came in the thousands."
So as Nebraska First Lady Sally Ganem and countless Special Olympics officials, athletes, fans and families have intoned - thank you, Lincoln. Nebraska's caring, helpful population made visitors feel welcome and kept the events running smoothly through a long, exciting (and did we mention hot?) week.
This thanks goes out not to just the volunteers but to anyone who was present to put a friendly face on our state and keep things pleasant - from local businesses to kind-hearted individuals who went out of their way to guide visitors around the city or campus and helped them reach their destinations.
"I think the games brought a heightened awareness, so I think it's going to just continue to become better and stronger and create more additional resources for our athletes and opportunities," said Sarah Leeth, vice president of marketing and comunications for the Special Olympics.
Nebraskans have a reputation for enthusiasm when it comes to sporting events. But in this case there was nothing contentious or negative about that kind of support. Go Huskers.
opinion@dailynebraskan.com