November 21, 2002 Student
News
Special Olympics
Invitational Brings Many
to Utah State
From the Utah Statesman
(11/20/02)
 The
Utah State University Fieldhouse swarmed with athletes, coaches,
spectators, referees, support staff and volunteers for the fall
invitational of the Special Olympics on Nov. 16.
The athletes arrived at 8:30 a.m. for registration and then
came the opening ceremonies. Abe Tanner, director of the Special
Olympics and a junior majoring in public health, said the purpose
of the opening ceremonies was to get the games started, unite
the athletes and get into the spirit of the games. The opening
ceremonies were conducted by Andy Dilley, a senior majoring
in history. The USU Air Force ROTC presented the colors and
the national anthem was sung by Catherine Evans.
Athletes of all disabilities, along with their team volunteers,
participated in basketball and swimming events. The athletes
earned medals and ribbons based on their performance.
"I think it's fantastic that the athletes get to go out
and participate in events like this," said Sherrolyn Middleton,
an assistant coach for the Hartningsen Salt Lake City basketball
team. "Thirty or 40 years ago they would have stuck them
in a closet. I'm glad that it doesn't happen anymore and I'm
happy that volunteers like me get to participate in the games
with the athletes this year."
Middleton said the invitational is a great opportunity for
the athletes; they look forward to it all year.
Abby Bennett, a senior majoring in math education and a volunteer
for the USU Aggie Special Olympics Team, participates with the
athletes in basketball. A few years ago, a roommate asked her
to help and now she really enjoys helping the athletes.
 "This
is my last year and I am going to miss helping so much,"
Bennett said. "It is volunteer work, but really we just
have a great time as we work hard. My USU education would not
be complete without the Special Olympics."
Bennett also advised everyone to try and participate in something
as worthwhile as helping these athletes. She said it should
remind us there is really so much more we can do for others
and the rewards of helping are more than we could imagine.
Liz Leatham, a Special Olympic athlete for USU basketball,
said she really likes participating with her teammates and everyone
should join and get involved.
"It's really fun," Leatham said.
Another athlete from USU, Troy Anderson, said he enjoyed playing
basketball because it is something he likes to do.
"I like to help my teammates play," Anderson said.
 Freshman
volunteer Kassie Skan, said the athletes are some of the most
amazing people in the world.
"They don't handle everyday things like we do and they
react totally differently, it is interesting to see that,"
Skan said.
She said participating in the Special Olympics is a great way
to get involved and do some amazing volunteer work.
Joli Johnason, co-director of the Special Olympics and a junior
majoring in education, said people with or without disabilities
can benefit from the Special Olympics.
"The Special Olympics provides a chance to do something
outside yourself and become a part of something different. It
also shows the community that these athletes can benefit from
an activity like this," she said.
Tanner said the Special Olympics fall invitational would not
have been possible without the willingness of the volunteers
and the employees.
"To see [the athletes] smile makes it all worth it,"
Tanner said.
 He
said the athletes have toiled long and trained so that they
will be prepared to compete. Many of them have overcome enormous
hurdles in their personal lives just to be here. These athletes
have inspired us by their dedication and desire to become champions.
"For this reason, we have chosen the theme 'The Power
of a Dream' for the power that accompanies our athletes' dreams
is truly amazing," he said.
Tanner said he knew without USU clubs' and organizations' support
and the support of the community, this wouldn't have been the
success it was.
"It was a very good day," he said.
By Kassie Robison; kassrobison@cc.usu.edu
Photos by Scott Davis
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