Earlier this year, Cecilia Carter-Smith's sports column in the Hamilton Spectator told of an amazing act of sportsmanship that occurred at the Canadian Special Olympics 2000 Winter Games. In the 400 metre snowshoeing event, the leader, five metres ahead of his opponents, lost his balance and fell. The other two finalists immediately stopped, helped him to his feet, lined up beside him, and on the count of three, they resumed the contest.

A seasoned sports writer couldn't believe what he had just seen. He raced to the finish line and asked the third-place winner, a 20-year old from Winnipeg, why he hadn't passed the fallen showshoer. Without hesitation, the young man replied "Because that wouldn't have been fair would it?"

I don't have to tell you why that young man is special in the eyes of God. What a wonderful example he is to all of us in Scouting. He exemplified that thing we call the Scouting Spirit. I would like to think that he lives that sportsmanlike way in all his dealings with others every day. But isn't that exactly what the Good Turn is all about? The Good Turn, practised daily, without thought of personal gain, sets us apart as people who care for others and do something about it. And that makes us very special in the eyes of God.

This year, let's all try to be Good Turn Specialists!