The excitement was palpable as the torch neared the sporting arena. Waiting anxiously inside were fans and athletes, many of whom had trained for months and even years for this moment in the history of sport. All arose and cheered, cameras flashed and Olympic music played as the torch entered the facility for a final lap at the opening ceremony. The high emotions and competitive spirit were infectious, spreading to all present. Those gathered to compete were not Olympic or Paralympic athletes but rather a very unique group who had all been affected by cardiovascular or pulmonary disease. These heroes had been summoned to Piedmont College in Demorest, Georgia, USA, for the first International Heart and Lung Games of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). The historic date was May 24, 2003.
More than 140 patients/athletes and volunteers traveled from California, Wisconsin, Florida, Illinois, New Hampshire, Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia for this inaugural two-day event. These games were modeled after the Heart of Gold Games which have been successfully sponsored annually by the Georgia Association of Cardiopulmonary Health, Prevention and Sports Medicine since 1990.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Billy Shaw discussed his career and gave an inspiring message at the Welcoming Ceremony on May 23. This was followed by a bus trip to the Alpine town of Helen, Georgia, for sightseeing and dinner.
The following day was filled with competition in the sports of table tennis, golf, putting, volleyball, basketball shooting, shuffle board, horseshoes, and a prediction walk, bike, Nu Step, and jog. Mental acuity and knowledge of cardiac and pulmonary disease were tested by "The Game of Knowledge" which is similar to a television game show. Olympic triple gold medallist swimmer Nancy Hogshead-Makar spoke and inspired the participants during the lunch break. She shared her experience as a world class athlete affected by asthma. Of course safety was a major concern but fortunately the fully equipped medical volunteers were able to enjoy the games with no major injuries or illnesses.
The evening was filled with camaraderie, good food and music as the awards celebration picnic and dance were held at the Piedmont College quadrangle. One by one these unusual athletes stepped to the awards podium to receive their well-deserved gold, silver and bronze medals. The gold medal Georgia volleyball team cheered as they crowded around the podium to receive their medals. Two California COPD athletes embraced as one showed off her new silver medal. Tears of joy were shed as these patient/athletes experienced again the pure joy and sense of accomplishment imparted by athletic competition. As Larry Black, a high school athletic director and heart attack victim, said, "Competition is the name of the game."
On this day these people from various parts of our nation congregated at Piedmont College not as patients but as dedicated athletes. They left as new friends vowing to compete again in 2006 at the next International Heart and Lung Games. As the Olympic creed says "all honor to those who fall and rise again."