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Show Page 1C: Lakeside Review'; Wednesday, April 3, 1985: r 14' a? w4i - ' CHERILYN KAWA Review Correspondent Anita Chrisman said she was excited when she saw her son Chris, who has Downs Syndrome and a congenital heart, standing, up on his ice skates holding onto the railing. After all, he was up. standing ' That was three years ago. Last week, Chris, a student at Monte Vista School, skated backwards, did swirls and small spins to capture fifth place in the 1985 International Winter Special Olympics. Progress is the most thrilling thing to see in the kids, said CHRIS Chrisman. More than 800 athletes from throughout the United States and 15 foreign countries gathered in Salt Lake City to showcase their progress in figure skating, speed skating, Alpine skiing and Chrisman warms up before performing his routine y skiing. All participants in the competi- cross-countr- tion are handicapped in some way but their determination and pride make them star performers. They are able to get out and be like other children and compete as athletes, said Chrisman. The Special Olympics have given the kids a chance to feel they have accomplished something, said Faye Thomas, mother of Alicyn Thomas, a speed skater from Farmington Junior High. Alicyn has competed in the Special Olympics for three years. She received a bronze medal in the 300 meters and a fourth-plac- e ribbon in the 75 meters in this years competition. She has also received gold and silver medals in figure skating in previous Utah Special Olympics. Alicyns confidence shows as she admits she wasnt nervous during her event. Her mother agrees. As she WATCHING HER SON Chris, Anita Chrisman holds her breath as he performs before hundreds of spectators. BOWING after performing his routine, Chris appears relieved. skating passed the girl she was racing, Alicyn turned to us and gave us a great big smile. An emotional feeling. is how Keith Thomas. Alicyns father, describes his feeling when he watches his daughter. You want them to perform the best they can. Its a kind of teary feeling. he said. Thomas said he was close to tears as he saw Alicyns classmates cheer her on during her event. Alicyn. proudly wearing her ribbon and medal around her neck, said her clasmates told her. did good. Although Chris and Alicyn both placed in the Special Olympics, they said it wasn't the best part ol g festivities at Park the City. Their favorite time was the dancing at night particularly the 1 week-lon- western swing. Dancing was only one of the many night time activities. Alicyn said she also like the fireworks show that opened the Special Olympics. The athletes got a taste of independence as they spent the week in Park City condominiums. For many, their first time away from home Chrisman said she felt it was a really good experience for the kids to be away from home and be able to learn. "They went all out for the kids, she said, they spoiled them rotten. A special treat for the special Olympians was getting to cook some of their own meals. I got to make the orange juice and toast, Alicyn proudly said. All three parents agree that it's hard for their children to adjust back to their normal routines. Then again, who would want to after, a week of independence, meeting athletes from around the world and mingling with television personalities and Sharlene Wells, Miss America. ...... V V?.; Alicyn Thomas Photos by Rodney Wright Story by Cherilyn Kawa ,Sv receives a good-luc- k hug from his skating coach, which later Chris off when captured 5th place in a skating to have seems paid CHRIS CHRISMAN event at the International Special Olympics. In the background, a banner to the Olympics participants. signed from around the world wishes luck ' , |