The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 27, Milford, Kosciusko County, 19 August 1987 — Page 8
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THE MAIL-JOURNAL —Wed., August 19, 1987
Sports
Heroes one and all —
Special Olympians worked hard to give their best
I By RICH RHODES Volunteer It is very hard to express the feelings you get when you see the Special Olympians giving their all, and the expression on their faces when they accomplish what they set out to do. You really have to help firsthand to really see how hard these people work and do their best each and every time. * There were thousands of volunteers who helped throughout the week, and there were a variety of different jobs for the volunteers. The jobs included official huggers, referees, escorters, starters, timers, cheerers and floaters
■v H JB '■ ll t ■WrrJi * x • W COME TO CLOSE — As the events came to a close, athletes, volunteers and friends took time out to enjoy each other’s company. (Photo by .Jim Carroll — The Observer) ’
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I was one of the huggers. My job was to grab the kids as they crossed the finish line at the endof their race and give them a great big powerful hug. COMMENTARY There was a little guy from Zimbabwe whom I was especially fond of. He only weighed about 40 pounds, and his legs were only as big around as a small pole. He had the biggest smile on his face, and I picked him up and gave him a very big hug. He came in last but his enthusiasm was as though he had come in first place. That's what was so intriguing about these athletes No matter how far behind they were, no matter howmany times they fell down, they did not quit. They just picked themselves up and finished their race
They are all so proud when they come across that finish line. First or dead last, they are all heroes and they are all winners. There is no way any one of these athletes can be losers/You can just see by the expression on their faces they are giving everything they have — not just in one race, but in every race or event. There are so many things these Special Olympians can do. Whatever their disability is. they find away around it, to excel in the sport of their choice. Heat Didn’t Stop Them It was so hot at Notre Dame the week of the International Special Olympics The average temperature was 95 degrees There were a lot of athletes who collapsed because of the heat, but even the heat did not stop these brave athletes. So many of these athletes can do just, as well as any other athlete in their respective sports. I know there were quite a few who would have given a few pros a run for their money — especially on the 95-degree days. There was a special guy in the group whom I worked with, and he was also a hugger. His name was. Bill Locke His dad, Bill Sr., was the one who made it possible for Notre Dame to host the 1987 International Special Olympic Games. His brother, Geary , Locke, was the one who lit the torch at the opening ceremonies. Just before Geary lit the torch, he said, “This is for you, dad." Bill also got to hug his brother when he came across the finish line in one of his races. You could see by the determination on his face he was running every step for his father, Bill, Sr. The opening ceremonies, held the day before the games began, were “out of this world " I think the highljght for all the Special Olympians was when they paraded around the Notre Dame football field with signs held high in front of 60,000 people, telling everyone in the stadium from what country they came They were all dressed alike, according to their countries All of the celebrities who were there throughout the week just fell in
love with each and every one of these athletes. Barbara Mandrell especially did a terrific job as mistress of ceremonies. • X ..... f.i Tk J ' j r ■ w i RICH RHODES One of the highlights of the week was seeing the very special lady who made the Special Olympics what it is today. Her name is Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Her daughter. Maria, was the one who introduced her at the opening ceremonies. I especially got a kick out of Eunice's opening remarks, “Every mother should have a daughter named Maria." I liked the accent in her voice as well It almost sounded like a British accent to this native Indiana Milfordite. There were many celebrities milling around throughout the week These included Don Johnson, Barbara Mandrell, John Denver. Whittney Houston, Arnold Schwartzenegger, Mary Lou Retton and Vice President George Bush, just to name a few. However, it was 100 times more exciting to hug a Special Olympian giving his/her all than seeing all of these stars. Medals A great moment for the athletes was the presentation of the medals. After every presentation, they would play the Olympic hero song. It was definitely a "dream come true" for all these Special Olympians to receive a
medal at the International Special Olympics. Their years of hard work and dedication paid off. All of the kids had a great time trading hats and pins and buying souvenirs. I keep saying “kids,” but these athletes ranged in age from seven, all the way up to 83. Can you imagine — 83? There was a delegation from Holland that was sitting close by where the huggers were working. I had one of these gentlemen take the huggers’ picture as a group. After he took our picture, the leader of the delegation gave us all pins from Holland. All I could figure was they considered it an honor to be able to take the picture. That is the only reason I could think of as to why we received the pins. The delegation’s leader could not speak a bit of English, and I certainly did not speak his language. I motioned to the shutter on the camera, and he knew what I was talking about.
1 i KOLJLAJBi I W } FLOOR EXERCISE — A gymnast perfects her floor exercise during the gymnastics°finals. (Photo by Jim Carroll — The Observer)
Warriors set for Jamboree
GOSHEN — Wawasee will kick-off the 1987 high school foot ball campaign with the annual Gbshen Jamboree Friday at Foreman Field. Kick-off is slated for 7:30 p.m. MEMBER OF INDIANA ALL STARS — Kristin Keller, daughter of Sharon Keller, formerly of Milford now residing in Indianapolis, is the first baseman for the Indiana AllStars. There are four teams from throughout the nation that will join the host team Indianapolis for the 1987 Big League Girls’ Softball World Series this week on the city’s southeastside. This will be the fifth year the city has hosted the tournament in which national district winners compete in double-elimination competition for the title. It also will be the first time an Indianapolis entry has qualified for the series. The players, ages 16-18, offer top caliber fast-pitch softball and competition traditionally is intense and exciting. Host district seven team from Indianapolis joins the central district champions from Grand Rapids, Mich.; western district champions from Contra Costa County, Calif.; southern district champions from Tampa, Fla.; and eastern district champions from Williamsport, Pa. The 1986 series was won by a team from Tallmadge, Ohio. Miss Keller is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Randall Dewart of Milford and is a recent graduate of Arlington High School in Indianapolis. She plans to attend IUPUI there. Her hobbies are sports, sports, and sports! He uncle, Billy Keller, was named Indiana's ‘‘Mr. Basketball” in the late 1960 s after which he played at Purdue. He later played for the Indiana Pacers and more recently coached basketball at the University of Indianapolis, formerly Indiana 'Central College.
The main theme of the International Special Olympics was shining through each and evefy athlete. It went like this, “Let me win, but if I can not win, let me be brave in the attempt.” This theme was said before, during and after each event and race. I encourage everyone to get involved with any kind of Special Olympians and students in your area. I guarantee you will keep going back for more. This was echoed by Eunice Shriver. She stated, ‘‘The way the organization grows is by volunteers who work at these events and enjoy it so much they get their friends to help the next time. It has a chain reaction effect. Every athlete at the Notre Darfle International Special Olympics in 1987 was brave in each and every one of his/her attempts.
Participating will be Concord, Jimtown, Wawasee, and the host Redskins. All four schools will share gate receipts. Each team will play two 12-minute quarters. There will be no kickoffs as each team will start from its 30-yard line. Goshen and Jimtown will open the festivities with action in the first quarter. Wawasee will battle Concord in the second period, and conclude play in the third against Jimtown. Concord concludes the competition with fourth quarter action against the Redskins. Admission prices are $2.50 for adults — beginning from grade seven — and $1.75 for elementary students. There will be no advance ticket sales for the Jamboree. August 29 is youth sign up The Land of Lakes Youth Bowling Association will be having registration for the upcoming . season on Saturday, Aug. 29, between 10 a.m. and 12 noon in Wawasee Bowl. The youth bowling association is for those between the ages of five and 21. Those who are unable to make the registration date, may sign up for the league now until the league starts on September 12. If there are any questions, persons may contact Wawasee Bowl, Syracuse. Linksters finish 2nd GOSHEN — Wawasee girls’ golf team opened the 1987 season with a second-place finish in Goshen High School’s three-way match at Maple Crest. Carroll took team honors with its 225 score, while the Warriors’ 238 edged out third-place Goshen’s 241 tally. Michelle Katsanis and Angie Kirkdorfer paced Wawasee’s effort with 575. Barb Butler finished play at 58, while Teresa West z shot 66 and Darcey Smith finishf edat7o. I The Warriors return to action afternoon in the Northern Lakes Conference match. MONDAY'S RESULTS GIRLS At Goshen CARROLL <2251 : Moehie 55, Meehan 55, Colburn 55, Slabach 60, Montana 61. WAWASEE 1231): Katsnls 57, Kirkdorfer 57, Butler 58, West 66, Smith 70. . GOSHEN (241): Wentz 57, Ron trager 60, Hawkins 61, Crllow 63, Yoder 64.
I r 4 It A// A SOFTBALL — A softball player sports his medal after the final game. Winners included Tennessee, Illinois, Connecticut and Wyoming. (Photo by Joann Whitfield — The Observer)
I' R .. / \ SB .k* ■ >j. ... * s ■■'' k i • - Mh. - * w ♦ **■ ON THE MOVE — Wawasee senior John Erasure works on his throwing during pre-season workouts at the high school practice field. Erasure is one of three quarterbacks on the Warriors’ roster.
Bowling
SYRACUSE — Bowling will begin for ladies in the Tuesday Night leagueatß:3op.m., Sept. 1. A short meeting will start the session, followed with league action. Officers for the league are Mary Wiggs, president; Deb Lovellette, vice-president; Suzie Pachynski, secretary-treasurer; and Cherrie Byrd, sergeant-at-arms.
—Bowlers interested in the Wednesday morning mixed league should plan to attend the league's first meeting, Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 9 a.m., in the Wawasee Bowl, SR 13S, Syracuse. The teams for the league are comprised of three persons and anyone interested is invited to attend.