Virgen: Gorin inspires at fundraiser event
“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me brave in the attempt.”
That is the Athlete Oath for the Special Olympics. That is what Joseph Gorin recited Tuesday night during a special fundraiser event at Back Bay Bistro in Newport Beach.
Gorin, a floor hockey Special Olympian who was born with cerebral palsy, is a U.S. ambassador for the World Games coming to Los Angeles, July 25 through Aug. 2.
“That exemplifies how we live our daily lives,” Gorin said in reference to the Athlete Oath.
He said living with a disability produces several challenges, “pain, danger, and even intimidation.”
“We are not able to conquer all, but if we accept the challenge and be brave in the attempt we are winners,”
Gorin’s speech was refreshing and a reminder of how rewarding and beneficial Special Olympics are to the athletes and the families. The Special Olympics are also meaningful to local communities in Southern California.
Newport Beach and Costa Mesa will be host towns for the athletes. UC Irvine and Vanguard University will be housing many of the athletes, including from Mexico and Fiji.
Gorin spoke at a Newport Beach Host Town event, which has more events coming to raise at least $40,000 to accommodate the athletes and their families.
City leaders will take part in a fundraiser at The Bungalow in Newport Beach March 29.
There will be fun events at the Newport Dunes, June 26-28, including a wine competition, a BBQ and craft beer show and a beach party featuring celebrity co-chairs Terry Donahue, former UCLA football coach, and John Robinson, former USC football coach.
Over 7,000 athletes will be competing in 25 sports at the Special Olympics in L.A., where at least 30,000 volunteers will also be a part of the World Games.
Gorin said he has a strong passion for sports, especially floor hockey. He grew up with that strong love for sports.
The Special Olympics brought the best out of him, he said, and gave him confidence and the skills to excel in other areas in his life.
He has been working at Mission Hospital, in Laguna Beach, in accounting for the past five years. He said he is also a proud member of Toastmasters International.
He is excited to be an ambassador for the Special Olympics and reminded those in attendance Tuesday the great opportunities in store for the athletes.
Newport Beach will host athletes from Mexico and Fiji July 21-24.
Gorin is thrilled about the Special Olympics.
“The world is coming,” he said. “Are you?”