The Faces of Competition

[Garry Frankel]

On May 27th I shot the Special Olympics Manitoba Track and Field Provincial Finals. The thing I remember most from when I shot the snow shoe races this winter was the look on the faces of the competitors.

These are very serious people . . .

http://www.PhotoShare.co.nz/PhotoShareGallery1/100224/107444/SOM27May06E5001016942_S.jpg

http://www.PhotoShare.co.nz/PhotoShareGallery1/100224/107444/SOM27MayE500A0069450_S.jpg

And they compete to win !!!

http://www.PhotoShare.co.nz/PhotoShareGallery1/100224/107444/SOM27May06E12634756_S.jpg

And sometimes they have to put aside their fears . . .

http://www.PhotoShare.co.nz/PhotoShareGallery1/100224/107444/SOM27May06E13237456_S.jpg

And they share the love when they finish . . .

http://www.PhotoShare.co.nz/PhotoShareGallery1/100224/107444/SOM26MayE1A0939_S.jpg


but don't forget these are real competitors and they really, really do want to win !!!
http://www.PhotoShare.co.nz/PhotoShareGallery1/100224/107444/SOM26MayE1A0162013_S.jpg

I had almost 500 useable pictures that I gave them after the day of shooting close to 750.


There are dozens more at http://www.garryfrankel.SpecialOlympicsManitoba27May0.Pho toShare.co.nz

Take a moment to appreciate these competitors accomplishments.

Sorry but I don't have time to do a real story on these as I am pretty time challenged right now. Still, I wanted to share the vibe I experienced when I spent the day shooting for Manitoba Special Olympics.

[Luke]

You did a good job there, Garry. You caught some great expressions.
Special Olympics or other sports events, if they are trying hard their expressions are worth shooting.
You must have made a lot of people happy with your photo's.
I especially like the ones of the long jump.
Luc

[Garry Frankel]

Thanks Luc.

For the long jump shots I was actually lying down prone on the ground just past the end of the sand pit, in damp sand (it had rained early that morning). It was worth it though as I got dozens of shots like the ones I put on the web.

I am hopeful that SOM will sort copies of the files for each of the 7 or 8 clubs so they can each see pictures of their own competitors.

[E B]

Very nice! I worked on a children's special olympics in 1986. I know how memorable an experience it can be.

[Garry Frankel]

Yes Bob, working with these folks is most rewarding. Not only that but the organization treats all the volunteers like gold (as opposed to our soccer organizations that treat volunteers like excrement !!). You can see how the staff's experience in patience pays off big time when dealing with the rest of us !!!!
The biggest eye opener is just how diverse the competitors are in every way. That applies to both physical and mental ability. Whoever they are and whatever they are doing they give it everthing they have and hold nothing back. Perhaps we have more to learn from them than they have to learn from us.

Thanks for taking the time to look and sharing your expeiences.

[windsprite]

Nice action shots and some very moving scenes. It must have been a rewarding day for you. Thanks for sharing, Garry.

[Skyscaper]

The Special Olympics is a tremendous event. Anyone engaged in supporting these folks deserves a heartfelt thanks.

Your shots really captured the emotion of the competitors well. Good job!!

Ed

[Garry Frankel]

Thanks Ed and Windsprite.

They are the reason I spent 6 weeks shooting soccer. To practice to build up my skills so I could try and do a good job for them at this event. I figured the least I could do was try as hard as they do !!

After 6 weeks and thousands of frames shooting soccer, this was actually a lot easier. But that was how it was supposed to work !!!

I get the most satisfaction from my cameras when I put them to work for the good of others.

[Henk Peter]

Beautiful people, well captured!
Thanks for sharing.