“Special” is a word that takes on a variety of meanings, from restaurant entrees to people, places, or events. By definition, special means “better, greater, or otherwise different from what is usual.”
While the Special Olympics may take on different meanings for different people, my recent volunteer experience with the local Special Olympics organization has shown me what really makes these athletes special.
They aren’t special because of their “disability;” rather, they’re special or greater because they have to overcome twice the challenges a “normal” athlete faces to compete.
Every Saturday from February to June, the athletes gather at the St. Joseph High School track to practice and train for one of the most important competitions of their season: the Harry Wood Area Games.
Rudy Gutierrez, Special Olympics operations coordinator for Santa Maria, said they expect about 130 athletes at the event scheduled for Saturday, April 13. Gutierrez also shared that this year will mark the inaugural aquatics competition. Another first to add to the list: Athletes from San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Special Olympics have been invited to compete as well.
“We saw a need for it in the northern region,” Gutierrez said of adding swimming. “It will give athletes more competition opportunities.”
The Area Games will kick off at 9 a.m. with opening ceremonies at the Pioneer Valley High School track, followed by an athlete’s parade and torch run.
“It’s a pretty energetic atmosphere,” Gutierrez said. “The athletes are all fired up and ready to compete—it’s quite an experience.”
Gutierrez said volunteers from Righetti, Pioneer Valley, Orcutt Academy, and Santa Maria high schools will help at the event; he estimates 200 volunteers total. Perhaps the most exciting part of the event are the 100 military escorts from Vandenberg Air Force Base who are each paired with an athlete for the day. The athletes spend time with the escorts who accompany them to their various events.
Gutierrez also shared that Santa Barbara County law enforcement officers will be at the games to hand out medals to athletes. Another important volunteer is Ken George, who will act as master of ceremonies at the games.
George, who has been with the Special Olympics since 1989, helps fundraise for the organization—bringing in $90,000 to $100,00 each year to be used for athlete training, uniforms, and travel.
“They have so much fun participating; I enjoy watching them compete,” he said.
Special Olympics Area Director of Northern Santa Barbara County Alex Posada has been involved with the organization for 30 years. For Posada, the Area Games are as important for the community as they are for the athletes.
“It’s a day they can show their abilities and not have people focus on their disabilities,” Posada said. “Using sports, it’s a way to make a connection to the community.”
Posada added that in his 30 years, he’s seen athletes go from age 8 to adults with jobs and confidence. Posada said seeing the athletes grow and become productive members of the community is a big deal for him.
Gutierrez added to those thoughts: “The Area Games helps the community realize Special Olympics athletes can do great things. They get to show everyone what they can overcome and accomplish.”
Posada and Gutierrez said that in the future, they want to help the community better understand these amazing athletes.
Sandra Pearson, Santa Maria Special Olympics track and field coach for three years, said her athletes are more accomplished than even they realize.
“They have such good attitudes in the face of adversity,” she said. “They don’t even get how courageous they are.”
Pearson, who started by taking her son Matthew to track practices, said she’s gained a new life perspective through these athletes.
“They may not go out and run a four-minute mile, but they train and work hard,” she said. “The dedication and effort are the same as any other athlete.”
Pearson said the athletes not only have to overcome mental and physical challenges to compete, but also must focus on interaction with other coaches and athletes.
“They’re happy to have positive encouragement and want to do their best to earn praise,” she said.
Take, for instance, Monique Ontiveros, who’s been with the Special Olympics for 10 years. Ontiveros, who competes in running, running long jump, and the softball throw, has almost 100 medals. At the upcoming Area Games, Ontiveros wants to get first place—and she knows what that will take.
“I need not to give up at the end and push all the way through,” she said.
Ontiveros, an admitted competitor, said competition is harder for her because she isn’t tall.
“I have to push myself harder than everyone else, but I don’t give up,” she explained. “I like to challenge people to work harder; they’ll see me and work harder.”
Although Ontiveros likes to win, she said the Special Olympics has taught her that winning isn’t the big deal—it’s having fun and knowing you can do anything you put your mind to.
Ontiveros’ teammate, Troy Sauerwein, has been an Olympian for 22 years and started out competing in swimming and cycling. This year at the Area Games, he’ll compete in the softball throw and shot put.
“The Special Olympics is a way of life, a community,” he said. “It means a lot to me to compete as a good athlete.”
But for Sauerwein, participating in the Olympics is important because he gets to spend time with developmentally disabled kids.
“I get to encourage these kids to have fun,” Sauerwein said. “I want to teach them what the Special Olympics has taught me.”
Pearson said the attitudes of these athletes—even more than their tenacity—is what heavily inspires those around them.
“There’s just something about these people,” Pearson said. “They are brave and go through life with such good attitudes.”
Gutierrez echoed Pearson’s thoughts.
“They put life into perspective; its been a really humbling experience,” Gutierrez said. “They show you that you can be having the worst day ever, but can still have fun.”
Ontiveros is ready for the Area Games; she said all she can do is try hard and be positive. Above all, the event is a day for the athletes to have the spotlight.
“We’re not special; we can do anything like everyone else—even if it takes us longer,” Ontiveros said. “The Area Games is our time to show everyone what we can do.”
Contact Staff Writer Kristina Sewell believes in athletes. Contact her at ksewell@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Apr 11-18, 2013.
