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Olympics • Athletes
raced to victory at the 2005 Special
Olympics held at Cal State Long Beach.
Elena Encarnacion / Summer Forty-Niner
Athletes
shine during Special Olympics Southern
California By
Elena Encarnacion
Online Forty-Niner
Contritubting Writer
The Walter Pyramid rocked to the thunderous stomping of athletes and spectators
in the stands as the Special Olympics torch, which began its journey at the U.S./Mexico
border, appeared in the upper level of the darkened gym, being carried by law
enforcement officials and athletes.
The torch was handed off several times before making its way to the ground floor
and to the stage, lighting the “Flame
of Hope” June 10 and symbolizing the start of Southern California Special
Olympics 2005 Summer Games.
For the seventh consecutive year, CSULB has hosted the Special Olympics Summer
Games. The three-day competition consisted of seven events: basketball, aquatics,
gymnastics, bocce, tennis, track and field, and golf.
This year an estimated 1,500 athletes competed, winning medals of gold, silver
and bronze, as well as
ribbons to athletes placing lower than third.
The 2005 Summer Games began Saturday at each of the venues, with an estimated
3,000 volunteers according to Patrick McClenahan, Special Olympics Southern California
(SOSC) Board of Director’s Chairman.
Dave Carder, who is volunteering in his 31st Special Olympics as a track finish
line supervisor, said the reason he, as well as many others, keep coming back
is to see and feel the emotion of the competitors.
Special Olympics are open to any athlete with intellectual disabilities who wants
to compete. There are competitions for athletes of all ages, levels of skill
and ability. For those who cannot swim, there are water-walking races. For those
who cannot run, there are walking races and wheelchair-assisted races.
Athletes are provided with sports training and preparation for competition free
of charge. Over the last year, SOSC had 530 volunteer coaches, according to Mike
Delzotti, the SOSC vice president of development and marketing.
Keith Jaramillo, 21, who competed Sunday in the aquatics competition, began training
for his race in March. Since then he has practiced everyday.
Diane Jaramillo, his mother, said he is proud of his accomplishments.
“We didn’t even know he knows how to swim like he does,” said
Diane.
This is Keith’s first effort at Special Olympics, and, according to his
mother, he truly reveled in the entire experience. There were many social events
including a Saturday celebration/dance.
Before leaving for the Saturday night festivities, Keith called his mother and
informed her that he and his roommate were headed out to look for girls. Although
he returned to his room late that night, it did not stop him from standing on
the podium, victorious with a gold
medal around his neck the next day.
The Olympics closed with a celebration of dancing and music in the Sports Expo
Park. As is custom, the ceremony ended with spectators, athletes and coaches
holding hands in the Friendship Circle as the song “I Believe I Can Fly” played.
Then,
many white doves were released, soaring above the crowd into the sky.
The Southern California Special Olympics operates year round. For more information
or to volunteer, visit www.socd.org. |
