Newspapers / The daily Tar Heel. / May 19, 1988, edition 1 / Page 13
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1 4The Tar HeelThursday, .May -U9,-1 988, Special Olympics offers moire tnm compemBOim By CHRIS SONTCHI Staff Writer More than 1,500 mentally handi capped children and adults gathered in Chapel Hill last weekend to boost their self-esteem and just have fun at the summer games of the 1988 North Carolina Special Olympics. The athletes, proudly sporting medals and buttons which read "I'm a hero!", competed in 30 events, ranging from swimming to team Softball to track and field. The events are organized into age categories as well as developmental skill categories to give all the athletes fair competition. More than 1,500 volunteers devoted part, if not most, of their weekend to make sure the athletes had the time of their lives, although they were quick to add that the athletes were not the only ones enjoying themselves. "We're having a great time and have made a lot of new friends," said Ellen Casale, a graduate student at N.C. State University and a first-year volunteer. The Special Olympics is billed as a competition, but overall the par ticipants are not very competitive, said third-year volunteer Jane Daunais. "It's wonderful to see the kids stop in the middle of a race and wait for their friends to catch up so they can finish together," she said. The goal of the Special Olympics is "to raise the self-esteem of the athletes, to let each one know how special they are," Daunais said. -hJl jVVf x "L s f"" ' - T s s ' " ' ' " f ' .'. - ' .. . x' . " -"f-j Tar HeelDavid Minton A Stanley County athlete makes a successful high jump during the track and field portion of the 1988 North Carolina Special Olympics Teams of volunteers wait at the finish line of races and at the medal ceremonies to cheer and hug the participants, she said. Medals are awarded for first through third place, with ribbons given to all the other participants. The skill level of the athletes surprised some volunteers, said first year volunteer Nancy Cole. "To see these children playing such good softball, etc., is enough to eliminate any stereotypes you might have as to the limitations of the mentally handicapped," she said. The athletes are supported by a large bank of family members as well. One man was spotted walking hand in hand with a child while wearing a button which read, "I'm a hero's grandfather!" Libby Gray, the parent of an athlete, said she was "very excited and heartwarmed" about the event. Parent Rich Caldwell said what the Special Olympics meant to the participants and their families was "more than words can say." HE'S NOT HERE on the Village Green. presents Cream of Soul Friday, May 20th The Charlie Pastorfieid Band formerly known as the Skip Castro Band Saturday, May 21st 9:00-12:00 pm Come by the Village Green and enjoy the cool Chapel Hill nights outside with a cold beer or inside playing pinball, darts or viewing our video screen. And remember: Tuesday's Specials $1.50 Blue Cups (33 oz.) $2.50 Pitchers The Chapel Hill Noise Ordinance requires that bands play no later than 12 PM outdoors. Fast, Free Delivery Guaranteed in 30 minutes or less or receive $3.00 off limited area Now Hiring Drivers Earn $40-$80 a night Free meals Flexible hours FA: 968-3278 One & One Two 12" Pizzas wih one topping only $8.50 wmm mmm mm mm mm mm mm Gumby Galore 16" unlimited items 69.70 i i Gumby Aid 12" one item Pizza with soda J If JLVf DO YOU WANNA DANCE? COLLEGE NIGHT TONIGHT! (Must be 18 or over - Membership available at door) 75 Draft Beer $1 .25 "Carolina Kamikazis" TUESDAYS: College Night w$ 1 .00 cover & $ 1 .00 drinks WEDNESDAYS: No Cover for Ladies (must be 19 or older) THURSDAYS: College Night w75$ beer & $ 1 .25 "Carolina Kamikazis QATMDnAvc Best Weekend Party in Town! SATURDAYS. (Ladies-19 and overGuys 21 & over) ipi jnj "pir"! ri rlBi ri w 9IUU Ui DUII LUllt? j Contest Tonight! BDBDBDBPl WFUN Kroger Plaza Chapel Hill 929-WFUN T.1 -T-J .(.t.t v. . t, . t l i J J mt J J J 444 .1
May 19, 1988, edition 1
13
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