The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Special Olympics racers ‘running free’
27th annual event held at Ely Stadium
Marra Board laughed as she destroyed a milestone during her first competition May 12 during the 37th annual Special Olympics at Ely Stadium in Elyria.
The 8-year-old second-grade student from Murray Ridge School ran a 25-meter race with the help of a “buddy.”
“It was her first time,” said her mother, Mary Board, Elyria. “This is my first time, too. I think they’re having a lot of fun. I’m having fun. Marra wasn’t even supposed to walk. So, she’s passed a lot of milestones just to get here.”
Andrea Orr, the local coordinator of Special Olympics in Lorain County, said 590 athletes competed this year from 17 school districts and charter schools in Lorain County.
“It’s a little chaotic this year,” Orr said. “We have 200 adult volunteers, 120 student volunteers, plus athletes and staff. We’re looking at about 3,000 people here today. You know what’s really cool? Family members from out of town
come for this. We’ve had people come from Boston to cheer for a family member.”
During opening ceremonies, Ford United Auto Workers Local 2000 presented a $25,000 check to Special Olympics Ohio for the Unified Champion Games, and to Elyria City Schools for Special Olympics for hosting and organizing the annual track and field event, Orr said.
“We also honored this year two staff members who passed,” she said. “Our Elyria High School Sign Choir signed to ‘For Good’ by Idina Menzel from ‘Wicked’ in honor of Sharon Svette.
“She was the original sign choir teacher and intervention specialist. And Iris Candelario, who was an administrative assistant for special education in Elyria and formerly from Lorain.”
The athletes competed in age-related and ability categories in track and field events.
To contribute to a festive atmosphere, volunteer Caylyn Rodriguez, 16, a junior at Elyria High School, offered free face painting.
“I’ve done it all three years,” Caylyn said. “I love it. It’s such a happy day.
“When I see people, I do know why they’re here: It’s because they’re a good person. I love seeing (the participants) smile when they win and even if they don’t win, they’re still so happy.”
Delaney Harrington, 16, a junior from Avon Lake, attended to support her 13-year-old brother, Griffin Harrington, a sixth-grader, in the dash and long jump.
“I just love coming to watch everyone,” Delaney said.
“No one is in a bad mood. It’s so fun to see everyone competing.
“I’m excited to watch him. I’ve never seen him do jumping before. He would throw and run. I remember last year, there was one guy. He loves running but he gets all flustered. He doesn’t want to beat anyone.”
A buddy from Southview Middle School in Lorain, 13-year-old Mahayla Leonard helped Ayeishaliz Rivera-Perez, 11, line up for events and negotiate the stadium.
“It’s my first time being a buddy,” Mahayla said. “I think it’s a good experience.”
Sly Worthy, a 17-yearold senior at Lorain High School, served for a second year as a buddy for his cousin KeAndre Davis, 17, a junior Titan.
“It’s fun; I enjoy doing it,” Sly said. “They look up to us a little bit, so we need to be there for them. And I just like to give back.
“I like to be a part of the community, especially since one day, I would like to be mayor. So, you have to start young.”
When 17-year-old Murray Ridge junior Deja Sherman ran the 50-meter dash, her buddy Kylie Colvin, 15, a freshman from Elyria Catholic High School was there for her.
“It’s my first time,” Kylie said. “I really like it. I’m having a lot of fun. She’s also doing softball toss next.”
Jeanette Ortiz, Deja’s mother, said she has participated for five or six years.
“It’s spectacular,” said Ortiz from Lorain. “It’s amazing for all the kids who have a disability to have so much fun and have their parents and friends and peers cheer them on.
“She’s been waiting all year for this. She woke up at six o’clock this morning wanting to put on her shirt.”
Julie Noble, Lorain, Deja’s nurse, gave her a gift of red Mardi Gras beads for running the race.
“It’s one day kids are so excited to come and be a part of this,” Noble said. “They practice for months at school. If I’m having a bad day, I come here and it puts a smile on my face: so happy; so excited.”
General Johnnie Wilson Middle School Principal Bryan Hilko attended the event with 12 participants from Washington and Garfield elementary schools in Lorain.
Also, he brought with him 28 buddies from Wilson Middle.
“We’ve gone over to their school a couple of times to spend the day with them and train for their events,” Hilko said. “It is important because it brings the students together. It brings the communities together.
“And it allows students to have a day that is special to them, where the focus is on the student.
“This has been great for our students at (Wilson Middle), as well as the high school buddies, to form a bond and to begin a mentorship for each other.”
Hannah Runge, 18, a senior from Avon Lake, served as a helper.
“I love the kids,” Runge said, adding she was undecided about a career. “I either want to work with special ed kids, or be a police officer.”
Morgan Painter, 13, from Avon Lake participated in running the 100 meters, jumping and throwing.
“I like to run,” Morgan said. “It feels like you’re running free.”