TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Athletes Shine On Track

ADVERTISEMENT

By RONNIE BLAIR rblair@tampatrib.com

The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 25, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - The torch was lit, the games had begun and Charles Leach was ready to shine Tuesday in the 10-meter assisted walk at the Pasco County Special Olympics.

The 14-year-old River Ridge Middle School student, who is mentally disabled and uses a rolling walker with a harness, kept a steady pace as he headed for the finish line.

It was victory time.

A volunteer pinned a ribbon on him. Then Charles kept heading down the track, even with the race over.

"He wants to go back to class," said physical therapist Cindy Thompson, who was helping out.

Charles was one of about 700 athletes representing schools from throughout Pasco County who competed at the Special Olympics at River Ridge High. The athletes participated in races, soccer skill competitions, bocce ball and other events.

The celebration kicked off with a parade of participants around the high school track. Several dignitaries took part, including Sheriff Bob White, schools Superintendent Heather Fiorentino and school board members Kathryn Starkey and Cathi Martin.

"I know you are going to try your best and display all kinds of sportsmanship," White told the athletes.

Fiorentino urged the participants to have fun, reminding them of the time they had spent preparing for the competition.

"All your hard work is going to pay off," she said.

Cotee River Elementary teacher Todd Hilkene and student Richard Klepatski, 12, picked up right where they left off last year, with a slow-moving but determined Richard working through the wheelchair race and an animated Hilkene jumping and shouting encouragement.

"Yes! Yes!" the teacher shouted when Richard finally reached the finish line.

The athletes are the stars at Special Olympics, but teachers, parents, therapists and student volunteers all play a role, too.

Thompson, assigned to schools in northwest Pasco County, comes to Special Olympics every year to work with students such as Charles.

She said there are five physical therapy teams in the school district who work with students who need assistance in the classroom. Some students might not be able to carry a lunch tray. Some can't sit up on their own for class activities.

"We work with all levels of abilities," Thompson said.

If that sounds challenging, Thompson shrugs it off and says every job has challenges.

"I thoroughly enjoy it because it's always changing," she said. "I see improvement in the children. I love it."

Reporter Ronnie Blair can be reached at (813) 948-4218.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT