v6n124-olympics.html

Vol.6, No 124, June 10, 1999

Special Olympics return

By Tracy Reynolds
Summer Forty-Niner

“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

That is the official oath of the nearly 1,400 athletes expected to take part in the 30th annual Special Olympics Southern California Summer Games at Cal State Long Beach, Friday to Sunday.

The 1999 Games are returning to CSULB after a 29-year absence. Since 1970, the University of California at Los Angeles has hosted this athletic event.

“Due to a scheduling problem, the SOSC Summer games could not be held at UCLA this year,” said Angela Clark-Smith, SOSC public-relations officer. “But the Long beach community has provided overwhelming support for the return of the Games, and CSULB has bent over backwards to facilitate our needs.”

In the tradition of the Olympic Games, athletes from 11 Southern California counties will compete in seven categories including gymnastics, tennis and basketball. The Games mark the completion of the SOSC summer season’s competition.

“These athletes are all commendable for the hard work and dedication they put into their training and practice,” said SOSC President Richard Van Kirk in a press release. “The Summer Games give Southern California the opportunity to see these athletes shine.”

Among this weekend’s competitors will be many constituents of the 70-member Special Olympics Southern California athlete delegation that has qualified to compete in the 1999 World Games in Raleigh-Durham, N.C., commencing June 26.

Opening ceremonies for this weekend’s Games will be Friday at 7 p.m. inside The Pyramid. Highlights will include a vibrant parade of athletes. Robert Maxson, president of CSULB, and Beverly O’Neill, the mayor of Long Beach, will welcome participants, coaches and more than 2,000 volunteers.

Rafer Johnson, the 1960 Olympic Gold medal decathlete who was significant in bringing Special Olympics to Southern California, will officially open the Summer games.

A laser show set to music will conclude the opening ceremonies.

Athletes will compete and medal ceremonies will take place throughout the weekend. Admission and parking are free.

In addition to watching the sporting events, visitors are invited to explore the Sports Expo Park, an on-site venue where they will find live music, dancing, food booths and games.

Closing ceremonies will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Sports Expo park.

Awards for Most Inspirational Athlete of the games and for Outstanding Volunteer will be presented.

Rafer Johnson will relight the Olympic torch and the Games will conclude as doves are released over Sports Expo Park.

Special Olympics Southern California is a nonprofit organization providing a year-round program of sports training and competition for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities. More than 13,000 athletes participate in SOSC activities.

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