Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (May 10, 1982)
Champions Athletes outdistance handicaps The Oregon Special Olympics attracted thousands of participants, coaches and volunteers to Hayward Field on Friday and Saturday Over 1,700 competitors took part in track and field events designed for mentally and physically handicapped athletes Opening ceremonies Friday afternoon brought University Pres Paul Olum, Portland Trailblazer coach Jack Ramsay and Oregon State University football coach Joe Avezzano to the field Participants paraded around Stevenson's Track prior to the lighting of the Special Olympic torch. Opening ceremonies also included the Marist High School stage band and a shower of skydivers Paul Olum looks over his shoulder as he leaves the VIP stand. The opening ceremonies are just ending. He is smiling. "I had tears in my eyes watching those kids march around the track," he says. Photo by Erich Bookolhoide The lighting of the torch marked the opening ol the 1982 Oregon Special Olympic* at Hayward Field on Friday. "The looks in their faces were just wonderful." The loudspeaker broadcasts the first events. Olum looks around the crowded track. "This event is really great," he adds. "I was really very moved." The competitors took part in 13 events, including the 50 and 200-yard dash, standing broad jump and softball throw. Volunteers and coaches numbered almost 1,000 Many volunteers worked as "official huggers," greeting and cheering participants at the finish line. The University Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity chapter volunteered as supporters for the event Other groups which donated their time included the American Legion and the Eugene Active 20-30 Club A young giri running in the 200-yard dash is finishing last. She watches the others cross the line before her. Frustrated, she stops ten yards short. The huggers behind the finish line call to her. One stretches out her arms. The girl's face lights up. She crosses the finish line, into the hugger's arms. "The Olympics are what we talk about all year," said a Grants Pass special education teacher. "The kids plan for them and practice for them. It's really their highlight.” She added that the independence the students get — an ovemiaht stay in Eugene, a Friday night dance — is just as important as the Olympics. "Many of these kids don't know they're competing,” she pointed out. "The medals, the hugs, the crowds That's what they understand." A hugger looks sadly toward the awards booth. "There was one little boy who got first in his race," she says. "He knew it, too. But the judges gave him an eighth-place jy^^j___Main_Desk_ Presents Our Famous LOST & FOUND SALE Tuesday, May 11 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in rooms 108 & 109 E.M.tJ. ALMOST ANYTHING YOG WANT OR NEED! Photo by Br&nt Walth An Oregon Special Olympics volunteer hugs a smiling athlete who has crossed the finish line. ribbon instead. How do you explain that to him?" She looks to the crowed stands and slowly shakes her head. “I'd like to grab a whole box of those medals and give them out to all these kids. They all try so hard." Nearly all Oregon counties were represented, according to Olympics officials. "You can't even begin to count all the schools involved,” said one organizer. "These games are the culmination of a year’s training for these children and young adults,” said Mike Sanford, Oregon Special Olympics chapter president. A teenager tentatively approaches the VIP stand with pen and program in hand. Five minutes lates he runs back to his friends, laughing and waving his hands. Jack Ramsay autographed his program. The Oregon Special Olympics, sponsored in part by the Kennedy Foundation, receives most of its financial support through contributions and fund-raising events. A teenage girl has won a bronze medal in the frisbee competition. Grinning, she will show it to anyone who will look. When she gets home, she says, she will show it to "everyone." By Brent Walth CHINA BLUE RESTAURANT Now serving LUNCH Monday thru Friday 11-4 SOUP & SALADS Salad served with your choice of Oil & Vinegar, Blue Cheese, Thousand Island or French Dressing 1. Tossed Green Salad . 1.95 2. Chefs Salad . 12.30 Tomato, Egg, Cheddar Cheese & Ham 3. Soup and Salad . Si.40 Garden fresh vegetables served with a cup of soup. 4. Bowl of Soup . $1.50 Different soup made daily. y _._._ COMBINATION Make your own combination plate by choosing one item from each group below. A. B-B-Q Pork Fried Rice B. Pork Chow Mein C. Sweet & Sour Chicken Wings 1. Braised Bean Curd • $2.50 2. Beef Broccoli • $2.80 3. Sweet and Sour Pork • $.245 4. Shrimp Egg Rolls • $2.40 5. Pineapple Sweet and Sour Chicken • $3.00 6. Three Shreds with Bean Sprouts • $2.65 Shredded Pork, Bamboo, Black Wood Ear and Bean Sprouts 7. Fried Mushrooms • $2.10 8. Sweet and Sour Fish • $2.50 9. Curry Beef • $2.80 10. Special of the Day _ ^
