Laurels to every one of the approximately 300 athletes who took part this week in the Rowan County Spring Special Olympics. If you saw photos from the event in the paper or online, you already know that gold, silver and bronze medals — no matter how shiny — would dim in comparison to the exuberance these competitors display in their individual contests and the pure joy they take in just being part of the games. A big nod, as well, to the 300 volunteers who gave their time to help make possible an event that organizer Jesse Byrd said allows the athletes, “to showcase their abilities rather than their inabilities.” One of those showcasing his abilities was Special Olympian Farrell Glasby, who said after finishing the 200 meters, “I was probably going 100 mph.” He probably was.

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How low can you go? Dart to the two men who robbed longtime cystic fibrosis research fundraisers Ralph and Helen Brown in their home this week, and an even bigger dart if they targeted the couple for money from the fundraisers, as the Browns believe. The Browns are known for holding twice-annual yard sales at their Emerald Street home to raise money for research into the disease that struck two of their grandchildren more than a decade ago. When they and a friend returned to the home from dinner this week, Ralph was accosted by two men in the basement. One pointed a gun at Ralph and demanded, “Where’s the money?” The robbers made off with up to $300 from a previous fundraiser. The community is already helping to replace that stolen money and will no doubt show strong support at the next yard sale, May 22-23. Let’s hope they get two arrests in the bargain.

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Laurels to the people who survive cancer and continue to fight the disease for the sake of others. Once cancer-free, it might be tempting to simply count your blessings and try to forget about this despicable affliction. But these people don’t do that. They’re people like Peggy Earle, who has been cancer-free for 15 years and has given $10,000 a year to Relay for Life for the past decade. They’re like Preston Tadlock, who was diagnosed just before his 16th birthday. After having a mass removed, he is now cancer-free and raising money for Relay for Life. The annual event to raise money for cancer research takes place Friday night. But first, there’s a dinner planned tonight to celebrate survivors, and they definitely deserve to be celebrated.