LUFKIN, TX (KTRE) -
Special
Olympic athletes marched into Abe Martin Stadium like champions.
"These athletes who have intellectual
disabilities prove everybody wrong. They come out here, they perform and compete
just like a regular athlete," said Norman Arias, Director of Field
Services.
The games started
with the running of the torch. Athletes were eager to get the games started,
after months of preparation for track and field competitions.
"Today I'm doing the relay, shot put and
the 100-yard dash," said Mike, a Special Olympic Competitor.
"I run real
hard," said Wendy, a Special Olympic Competitor.
14 teams
from across East Texas gathered to compete in the games.
Ben Iverson is a coach for the Tyler Rose
team, he says the games give athletes the opportunity to fit in with the rest
of the world.
"It
makes them feel normal, we all want to feel special, they're already special,
they just want to feel normal," said Iverson.
Competitors
of all ages get the chance to contend, bringing their a-game, year after year.
"Come
out here and win some medals and participate in sports," said Mike.
Competitor
Alan Johnny says, relays are his favorite part of the day.
"I
like to bring the baton home," said Johnny.
Despite
the challenges they face, quitting is never an option.
"We've
got a couple that can barely walk and they'll be out there trying to run,"
said Iverson.
"Some
of them are real fast, and some of them have a little challenge but they don't
ever quit," said Arias.
The rewards of simply participating, last a
lifetime.
"Every
time they get a ribbon or a medal they wear it for the whole week, two weeks,
you got to make them take it off when they take their baths, they're just so
happy to win something," said Iverson.
Copyright 2012 KTRE. All rights reserved.
