The following was sent to me from Sujeet’s mother…

On February 7^th 2009 in front of 14,000 audiences from 96 countries Sujeet played his “Adagio” by Mozart at the opening ceremony of World Winter Sp. Olympics. Before his performance he was interviewed on the stage by Olympian ice skater “Kristi Yamaguchi. A day before Sujeet met saxophonist “Kenny G”, who impressed by Sujeet’s music talents played a duet with him as well in press media coverage expressed that Sp. Olympics should invite them in future to perform a Duet !  

We had Sujeet’s fan around the world know about possible live broadcast of this event. However it was never shown live in US or NY State it self we were not able to video tape (or take photos) of Sujeet while he was performing as we were back stage with him.

After our return home we had hundred of emails & phone calls that they were disappointed for missing Sujeet’s  broadcast. That’s when I realized that hardly any of the US media was covering this event. Reporters from all over the world traveled thousands of miles to get glimpses of these extraordinary athletes & musicians, but the hosting country. There was article written by Sp.Olympics of NY state where there was a line written on Sujeet while other celebrities were highly praised who in-fact world know already how famous they are.   

As a parent I know how hard Sujeet works for his each performance. He prepares himself to make each one to be perfect. His music teachers and his support staff work with him for countless hours’ months ahead the event. Therefore when Sujeet’s presentations gets praise the recognition goes even beyond Sujeet’s hard work to his team. However on the other hand when Sujeet’s work is not appreciated the entire team gets discouraged & disappointed. This Special Olympics event was started for “individuals with special needs” to recognize and encourage their special talents. Rather than to celebrate the already recognized celebrities!  

After Sujeet’s performance he received many hugs with tearful eyes from those who did not even know him. It would have meant much more to Sujeet after his return home a welcome by his home town, his community and his own State who knows him. New York which he has represented for last 20 years in various Special Olympic events National as well Internationals and has brought medals including the 1999 World Sumer Games with Gold & Silver medals . 

Kristy Colvin a parent of a bright young son born with Mosaic Down syndrome has written a blog about this with the same heart-ache that I felt. Kristy speaks for us parents who work hard to “Make Things happen” for our special children.  

Therefore I urge you to read this blog with Sujeet’s photos . Please leave a comment. Let our community, our media know that we all are on the same page with Kristy! This is the link for Kristy’s blog titled  “Flame of Hope or ashes of Despair”