Nearly 900 athletes show no-quit attitude in local Special Olympics Smiles all around
TULARE — Some ran, some walked, and some rolled their wheelchairs across the finish line in their respective races Friday. And whether they were first or last to cross, it did not appear to matter. The smiles and the enthusiasm displayed by the athletes were the same on each person. It all appeared to be fun and exciting for the 880 participants taking part in the 2018 Tulare County Special Olympics held at the Bob Mathias Stadium at Tulare Union High School in Tulare.
It all began with Sarah Beers of Chances Learning Center of Visalia walking down the stadium track with the lighted Special Olympic torch. And after climbing a ladder to light the Special Olympic cauldron, the 2018 Games began.
“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,” Gary Wong said proudly
as he led the athletes in the Special Olympic Oath.
With 880 registered
athletes, 100 more athletes than in 2017, and 250 volunteers, the event was set up different than previous years due to a newly renovated field that went from natural grass to artificial turf.
Since spikes were not allowed, the field events were moved to natural grass areas behind the bleachers, said Games Data Manager Jenny Ranney.
The Games included
everything from wheelchair slalom races, blind athletes in a walk race, and 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 meters male and female races, to relays and field events, including softball and tennis ball throws, javelin throws and shot put.
“Words cannot describe how amazing it is to see all these kids,” said Melody Crone of Porterville. “They all have the same ability to run and jump as all other kids. It’s priceless.”
Crone’s 11 year-old son, Luis, who attends Terra Bella Elementary, participated in the standing long jump and 100-meter run.
“He’s been really excited all week, running and practicing at school. He loves this kind of thing. It’s so exciting for him,” Crone said. “He’s always been active. He’s never been a kid to sit still. He’s had his share of running and loves being outside.”
The races made some people laugh and some people cry. The deafening crowd, consisting of athletes, friends and family, clapped and cheered when a fallen
comrade picked himself up and continued the race. Even though everyone else in his heat had already crossed the finish line, his smile and determination continued. The athlete looked up at the crowd and smiled, making it obvious, that it did not matter that he was last. He was there to run and he was there to have fun. In his eyes, and in the eyes of those in the crowd, he was a winner.
A few runners didn’t know when to stop and kept running past the finish line. Volunteers could be seen chasing after Jordan Martinez of Roosevelt Elementary, as they attempted to catch and stop him. Brian Alvarado of Vandalia Elementary did more than run. As he reached the end of his 50-yard dash, he jumped straight into the arms of volunteer Kyle Shields, wrapping his small body and long legs around Shields waist. A surprised Shields laughed and congratulated the youngster.
Athletes could be seen beaming as they showed off their ribbons and
their bronze, silver and gold medals. High-fives, fist bumps and hugs could be seen again and again.
Vandalia teacher Alyson Leos, who brought 11 athletes from her class, and several more from satellite classes, said the kids love the racing the best and have been practicing every day for the past month.
“It’s tons of fun,” said Rochelle Mayorga, mother of Noah Mayorga, a third-grader at Summit Charter Academy Lombardi. “It’s his first year. He was really excited and really energetic all week. He has been pumped up.”
Numerous family members were in attendance, wearing matching T-shirts — the words “Team Noah” splashed across the front.
“It’s an awesome experience to be out here,” said Lupe Ceballos, an aide from Olive Street School who brought seven athletes to Special Olympics. “It’s great to see them interact with each other. We’ve been practicing and they were so excited to come today.”