Asthmatic children had the spotlight on Saturday at the 1997 Air Power Games hosted and co-sponsored by Cal State Long Beach's kinesiology and physical education department.

Over 75 inner city children participated in the track and field events.

"We've had more children than we've ever had," said Dr. James Davis, director of the Air Power Games and CSULB kinesiology and physical education professor.

Tom Dolan, the1996 Olympic Gold medal winner in the 400-meter individual medley swimming event was the games' special guest.

Dolan, an asthmatic since he was 12, spoke to a group of children on the importance exercise has for asthmatics.

In its 10th year, the event was co-sponsored by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

"The Air Power Games provide an opportunity for children and their parents to learn about the health benefits of exercise for asthmatic children," said Cathy Pollack, AAFA health educator.

Asthma, according to the AAFA, is a chronic lung disease that is characterized by the inflammation and obstruction of the airways that transport air from the nose and mouth to the lungs.

The AAFA says that asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease. It affects nearly five million children under the age of 18. It is also the number one reason for school absences.

According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, exercise can trigger an asthma attack. It is estimated that 85% of asthmatics experience wheezing after exercise.

"We're here to learn how to control your asthma before it controls you," said Dolan. He spoke to the athletes about how their accomplishments are greater because they have to work harder to achieve them.

Dolan assisted with the opening ceremonies and the award ceremonies for the games.

Five leading asthma pharmaceutical companies: Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Dey Pharma, Glaxo Wellcome, Mediquip-Division of RQuest Services, Inc., and Merck & Company Inc. had booths set up informing children and their parents on the latest research and developments on asthma.

Educational brochures on the causes of asthma, early warning signs, and treatments were distributed.

The games began at 9 a.m. shortly after the last buses brought the last of the inner-city participants to the CSULB track.

The children signed up for three of the track and field events.

Field events included: long jump, shot put, softball throw and the high jump. An obstacle course was included as one of the five track events.

CSULB Kinesiology and physical education students quickly took their positions once the games began.

Timers cheered on the runners as they approached the finish line. There were 43 student volunteers participating in organizing the event.

"The kids feel special to be able to participate, get ribbons, and get cheered on by everybody," said Jennifer Moriwaki, CSULB kinesiology and physical education major.