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Show f 'I Sun fidvocate Wednesday, April - 30, 1980 C... I Ann Self Training School students struggle to win in the 75 yard dash of Friday's special Olympics. The students are aided down dashes, softball throw, broad jump and relay races. Each student who participated received a ribbon for the event. the stretch by helpers from Carbon High School. Students of all ages from five schools competed in 50, 75, 100 and 220 yard Special Olympics Students enjoy ecstasy of victory By TOM MURPHY Staff Writer It was billed as the Special Olympics, and that it was with each participant enjoying the . thrill of victory without tasting the bitter agony of defeat pill. The seventh annual Carbon and Emery Special Olympics boasted a strong field of 90 special education students from five area schools. each one came away a winner. They came from Ann Self on the north to Castle Dale Elementary And, on the south. In between were students from Reeves Elementary, Mont Harmon Jr. High and Carbon High School, all gathered together at the Carbon High track to do battle for school and national honors. g At the end of the fray of honor field exited the all Friday, with pride intact and the defense of their honor upheld. Running four persons a heat in each of six events - 50, 75 and dashes, standing broad jump, run softball throw and ribbons were awarded to the four finishers. For their reward, participants received a ribbon and a hug from designated huggers from Mont Harmon Jr. High School. Twelve junior high students and two cheerleaders conducted the award and hug ceremonies at the conclusion of each heat. The event Friday was a prelude to the state meet scheduled May 10 at Highland High School in Salt Lake City, according to meet director Vale Himonas. The main purpose of the Special Olympics is to give the students a real feeling of accomplishment, she said. Its a good physical activity for them, she added. Most students enrolled in the more traditional style of school have activities they are able to participate in, she mentioned, noting there is little for special education students in the way of recognized athletic contests. Its one event that belongs to them. Other students have their own events. Our students are quite proud to have the whole day for their activities, Ms. Himonas said with a little pride in her own voice. What made it doubly exciting for the athletes was the throng of spectators from the high school. Various classes were excused during the Olympics to allow high schoolers the opportunity to watch the exciting track events. It was plain to see the kids high enjoyed the Olympics, school senior Dell Cook said. The softball throw was the event I most enjoyed watching. The kids were just thrilled and happy when they let loose with a throw, he said. You could also tell they liked getting the medals. Their faces just beamed with joy when they got the ribbons, he mentioned. The Olympics is something not day-lon- 100-ya- rd 220-ya-rd taken Sam Hall happily accepts the best athlete award for students at the Ann Self Workshop. Himonas of Special Education teacher Vale Best award. Carbon High School presents the athlete awards were also given to students from Carbon High, Castle Dale, Ann Self Training School and Reeves Elementary. lightly by -- drill team and flag twirlers and the athletes themselves kicking off the games. Keeping the athletes full of vim and vigor during the contest were two Orange bowls filled with the golden liquid provided by McDonalds restaurant. The containers of orange drink were constantly in use during the day by the thirsty and tired, but ecstatic, athletes. Capping off the days events, McDonalds also gave a sundae to each participant to reward them for their weeks of practice and successes on the athletic field. The Price Kiwanis donated the money needed to purchase the ribbons for each of the 90 athletes and Campbells Moving and Storage balloons. donated helium Helen Stevenson and Colleen for Naillow celebrate winning first and second in the 100 yard dash. Photos by Ravell Call the special students as witnessed by the smiles, laughter and squeals of joy constantly being emitted by the kids. They plan for the Olympics and practice for their events several weeks ahead of time, Ms. Himonas said. With the Price Unit of the Utah National Guard leading the way, an opening ceremonies parade was held with a Price Volunteer Fire Department truck, the high school Larry Cowgill of Castle Dale Elementary bursts across the finish line during the 50 yard dash. |