Inspired by the example of selflessness set by Special Olympics athletes, two LDS songwriters have composed music that is being considered as a theme song for the International Special Olympics organization.

Steve James of the BYU 133rd Ward and Vickie Pahnke of the Cottonwood 3rd Ward, Salt Lake Cottonwood Stake, wrote the song at the suggestion of David A. Christensen, president of the board of directors of Utah Special Olympics. He is also president of the Salt Lake Jordan Stake and director of the Salt Lake Institute of Religion.Brother James and Sister Pahnke are professional musicians who have written and recorded LDS-oriented music.

Pres. Christensen and the two composers are lecturers with the Church Educational System and were on a "Know Your Religion" tour last year in Florida. They all have an affinity for Special Olympics, and while they were traveling together, he suggested they compose a theme song for the program.

They were inspired by the Special Olympics theme: "Let me win, and if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." Thus, the song is titled, "Let Me Win."

"Our thought was to have a song that not only the Special Olympians and their families could be proud of, but also something that would draw everyone in, that would let them feel the emotion and the music," Sister Pahnke said.

"The Special Olympians are such pure spirits, religiously speaking," Brother James added, "and we all can learn from their example."

He recalled an occasion when he was attending some Special Olympic games and noticed one of the participants fall during a competition. Other participants stopped in their tracks and reached out to help the fallen runner. Hand-in-hand, they crossed the finish line together.

"They see winning not so much in the sense that we see it but in the sense that Heavenly Father sees it," Sister Pahnke commented, alluding to an inclination among Special Olympians to share and to lift each other.

Brother James said that as the two have performed the song in Utah, it has been accompanied by a slide show of scenes from Special Olympics games. After the final scene, a Special Olympian walks on stage, which enhances the effect of the performance.

He said they invited a friend who is a Special Olympian, Bart Kendrick of Ogden, Utah, to be present during the recording session of "Let Me Win." Closely observing his reaction, they noticed he clenched his fist while tears streamed down his face. Then they knew the song would achieve the effect they were seeking.

Pres. Christensen is introducing the song to Special Olympics organizations state by state, urging them to use the song as a tool to promote public awareness and raise funds for Special Olympics. The International Special Olympics Committee has also indicated an interest in the song.

"Music is simply a vehicle on which the Spirit can travel," Brother James reflected. "So we feel honored to have been instrumental in creating such a vehicle."