Unique games inspire athletes' special skills

The Special Olympics Southern California 2000 Summer Games held at Cal State Long Beach from June 16 -- 18 provided a distinctive experience for athletes, coaches, volunteers and spectators.

The games marked the 31st anniversary of the Special Olympics Southern California event and Cal State Long Beach's second consecutive year as host to this athletic competition.

Athletes, ranging in age from 8 to 70, are mentally and physically disabled. They competed in events such as aquatics, athletics, basketball, gymnastics and tennis.

"I wanted to start the century being No. 1," said athlete Frank Weisman, 54.

Weisman won a gold medal for the 100-yard walk and a bronze medal for 50-yard dash. According to Weisman, he practiced every Saturday for a month to win the races.

"I accomplished what I came here to do," he said. "On this Father's Day, I wanted to dedicate these three days for my mother, for my sister and father."

Weisman was not the only one who finished the games in victory.

Stacey Wardle, 41, won a gold medal in the 200-yard dash event and silver medal for the 50-yard dash. Wardle has participated in the Special Olympics Southern California several times in the last few years.

"I feel great," she said after the race.

However, such victories would not be possible without the support of coaches and volunteers.

Doug Atkin, a private investigator, has been coaching athletes for six years. According to Atkin, coaching athletes for the games is a way to help them realize their own special skills.  John Poptanich and his daughter Kristine, a student at University of California, Irvine, have both worked for the games for seven years and will continue to support the event.

"[The games] show that everyone can be a winner no matter who you are," Kristine Poptanich said.

This is one of the best and most special events for disabled athletes, said Special Olympics Southern California Chairman Rafer Johnson.