500 athletes claim ribbons and fun at Special Olympics

By Debby Woodin

dwoodin@joplinglobe.com

Large quantities of gold medals and smiles were distributed on Friday when more than 500 area students and adults competed in the Special Olympics track and field meet at Missouri Southern State University.

Robin Anderson, the Southwest Missouri area director of Special Olympics, said the track meet is one of the organization’s most popular events.

The organization also provides opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to participate in floor hockey, basketball, aquatics, bocce ball, golf, bowling and other sports, Anderson said. All together, about 1,770 area residents participate in 18 different activities each year. The local chapter serves 24 counties in Southwest Missouri.

Last month, two local teams of basketball players competed in state basketball championships.

“It’s a chance for the athletes to show their abilities and show everyone they do have abilities,” Anderson said. “It builds self-esteem and friendship.”

Twelve-year-old Crystus Ash, a seventh-grade pupil at Neosho Middle School, was preparing to participate for the first time, said her grandmother, Janice Duvall, of Neosho.

“I feel good,” about competing in the 200-meter walk and the running long jump, Ash said.

“Oh my gosh, she was so excited,” when she found out she was to participate, said her grandmother.