Like many central Ontario residents, I had one eye on the clock and the other on the skies in the final hours leading up to the launch of the Victoria Day weekend.

Before I started rolling on down the highway to my homestead, a stop at St. Theresa’s High School was in the cards. Simply put, the next couple of hours were uplifting in every way.

A few days earlier, I had accepted an invitation from St. Theresa’s special needs resource teacher Marce Ingriselli to cover the 2008 Special Abilities Track Meet, featuring 270 athletes from secondary schools across Simcoe County.

Whether it was the track events or the high jump, ball throw or long jump, each athlete gave it his or her all.

Unfortunately, not all of them would go home with a precious ribbon to show for their accomplishments, but none crossed the line without applause or a well-deserved high-five from an event volunteer.

It’s not possible to attend an event like this without getting swept up in the enthusiasm.

During the track events, teammates lined up with handmade signs, offering visual and audio support prior to and during races.

Even the last athlete across the finish line received an enthusiastic round of applause. More often than not, it was followed by a hug or handshake from a coach.

In keeping with the community spirit of the event, St. Theresa’s students volunteered their time to assist with timing and other duties, their efforts coordinated by the Thunder Grade 12 Recreation and Fitness Leadership class, expertly directed by Evan MacDonald and Jeff Ladouceur.

The recently crowned national champion Thunder cheerleading squad added their own special brand of energy to the event, while taking part in the opening ceremonies.

Of all the images that raced through the old brain cells that day, none was as moving as the finals motorized wheelchair race.

Each and every athlete sported a smile, as they rolled around the track; each one clearly listening to the cheering and applause clearly directed their way.

Whether they finished first or last didn’t matter at all. They were provided with the chance to compete, performed to the best of their ability and received strong recognition for their efforts.

You have to applaud these teenagers for their sheer determination.

It provides a sense the world isn’t spinning as wildly out of control as some might have you believe.

Around the water cooler on Tuesday, the talk was of a Victoria Day weekend that was gloomy and lacking for any positive moments.

Uplifting moments are where you find them.

Mine were found right in the middle of a track meet close the shores of Georgian Bay.

Even from the sidelines, the view was inspiring.