Post by title1parent on Apr 28, 2008 5:44:18 GMT -5
More athletes, more years for Special Olympics
By Hafsa Naz Mahmood | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 4/28/2008 12:03 AM
Waubonsie Valley High School student Randy Mertes was determined to beat Neuqua Valley High School's Special Olympics team Sunday.
"I have to beat Neuqua because my mom (coaches their team)," the 17-year-old said jokingly of the friendly rivalry he's got going on with his mom. "Neuqua's going down."
About 800 Special Olympics athletes competed in the 2008 Spring Games starting Sunday morning at North Central College in Naperville. Families, friends and about 300 coaches cheered for runners, shot-putters and power lifters from DuPage, Kane, McHenry, Lake and Kendall counties.
Special Olympics Area Director Sandy Hutchins said the event drew more athletes Sunday than ever before.
"I think the number of kids we have competing at schools has increased," she said. "More high schools and middle schools are having Special Olympics programs, and I think that's the biggest contributing factor."
The annual event was especially significant because this year is the 40th anniversary of the Special Olympics.
"Throughout the years I've certainly seen an increase in the quality of the training of our athletes," Hutchins said. "The training is better, their uniforms are better and it's just an awesome experience for them."
Waubonsie Valley High School's Special Olympics Coaches Lacy Woulfe and Chris Wolak said the team had about 25 students participating in one running race and one throwing event each Sunday.
The school also had the only female in the entire competition running the 1500 meter run.
Woulfe couldn't wait to see how many medals the team would get.
"If they can beat their records," Woulfe said, "it's always exciting."
Wolak agreed.
"It's good to see every kid's personal best."
Betty Krupp of Lisle, who has volunteered for more than two decades, said seeing the enthusiasm of the kids keeps her coming back year after year.
"I love the whole cause of Special Olympics," she said. "The athletes get to perform just as all athletes do and they're so proud of their accomplishments."
Emotions run deep within the athletes, but also within parents watching their children compete.
Laura Georgelos of Naperville was at North Central College to watch her 13-year-old daughter Tori compete in the softball throw and the 100 meter run.
"We're thrilled and excited," Georgelos said with teary eyes. "It's such a wonderful program."
It was Lori's first time competing in Special Olympics.
"It just teaches her camaraderie and a feeling of accomplishment that she can't get in a mainstream setting," Georgelos said. "Here she feels she can truly compete."
By Hafsa Naz Mahmood | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 4/28/2008 12:03 AM
Waubonsie Valley High School student Randy Mertes was determined to beat Neuqua Valley High School's Special Olympics team Sunday.
"I have to beat Neuqua because my mom (coaches their team)," the 17-year-old said jokingly of the friendly rivalry he's got going on with his mom. "Neuqua's going down."
About 800 Special Olympics athletes competed in the 2008 Spring Games starting Sunday morning at North Central College in Naperville. Families, friends and about 300 coaches cheered for runners, shot-putters and power lifters from DuPage, Kane, McHenry, Lake and Kendall counties.
Special Olympics Area Director Sandy Hutchins said the event drew more athletes Sunday than ever before.
"I think the number of kids we have competing at schools has increased," she said. "More high schools and middle schools are having Special Olympics programs, and I think that's the biggest contributing factor."
The annual event was especially significant because this year is the 40th anniversary of the Special Olympics.
"Throughout the years I've certainly seen an increase in the quality of the training of our athletes," Hutchins said. "The training is better, their uniforms are better and it's just an awesome experience for them."
Waubonsie Valley High School's Special Olympics Coaches Lacy Woulfe and Chris Wolak said the team had about 25 students participating in one running race and one throwing event each Sunday.
The school also had the only female in the entire competition running the 1500 meter run.
Woulfe couldn't wait to see how many medals the team would get.
"If they can beat their records," Woulfe said, "it's always exciting."
Wolak agreed.
"It's good to see every kid's personal best."
Betty Krupp of Lisle, who has volunteered for more than two decades, said seeing the enthusiasm of the kids keeps her coming back year after year.
"I love the whole cause of Special Olympics," she said. "The athletes get to perform just as all athletes do and they're so proud of their accomplishments."
Emotions run deep within the athletes, but also within parents watching their children compete.
Laura Georgelos of Naperville was at North Central College to watch her 13-year-old daughter Tori compete in the softball throw and the 100 meter run.
"We're thrilled and excited," Georgelos said with teary eyes. "It's such a wonderful program."
It was Lori's first time competing in Special Olympics.
"It just teaches her camaraderie and a feeling of accomplishment that she can't get in a mainstream setting," Georgelos said. "Here she feels she can truly compete."