The weather in Twin Falls was overcast and muggy, but the spirit at the opening ceremonies for Special Olympics Idaho could not be tainted.

25 teams arrived at the high school football stadium ready to celebrate their opportunities to compete in the athletics of their choice. Contestants from all over our great state flooded the area with bright colors sporting their teams and big smiles on their faces.

The enthusiasm continued. Part of the ceremony involved each team being escorted onto the field and announced to the crowd. Not just the team announced, but the entire stadium roared in celebration of the tremendous honor to be a part of this event. When I say the entire stadium, I mean audience members, volunteers, and competitors. From what I saw, the competitive nature of the games was second only to sportsmanship.

"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

--Special Olympics athlete oath

This is a message I will carry closely as I prepare for a woman to be crowned Miss Idaho 2016 in less than a week. My goal through the entire process of preparing for the competition has been to be true to myself- to accept the challenge that I pose to others through my platform Be Limitless.

As the clock is running out, I am realizing how terrifying it could be to know that in approximately 4 days, 15 hours, and 20 min, I will be showing an entire audience and a panel of judges exactly who Brittany Lock is. This fosters room for judgement, raw emotion, and rejection.

I want Brittany Lock to be what the judges are looking for in a representative of Idaho. I would relish the opportunity to do so to my best ability. However, as I compete, I will be brave- speaking my truth, and knowing fully well that it might not be received how I want it to be. Whether I earn first place or last place, I am proud because I will be brave enough to just be me. I will also be thrilled for the woman that receives the honor of holding the title Miss Idaho.

Brittany Lock - Miss Boise 2016