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Special Olympians Get Standing Ovation At USF

Tribune photo by MICHAEL SPOONEYBARGER

The Gaither team enters the stadium at the Special Olympics opening ceremony today.

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By Michael Spooneybarger | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 14, 2009

TAMPA - Slowly circling the track at the University of South Florida, athletes from Hillsborough and Polk counties brought the cheering crowd to its feet during the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics 2009 Area 8 regional games.

Some athletes waved banners, and others strolled along soaking up the attention. Some ran, while others took Olympic-style poses. Whatever they did, they all had huge smiles.

More than 700 athletes competed in six different sports, including track and field, cycling, soccer, volleyball, bocce and tennis.

Winners will qualify for the state games in Orlando on May 15 and 16.

"Special Olympics serve athletes with intellectual disabilities," said Tom Denham III, executive director of Special Olympics for Hillsborough County. "We want to make sure everyone involved, not only athletes, but also volunteers, get a meaningful experience."

They must have, because 750 volunteers were selected and others had to be turned away over a week ago.

Special Olympics is designed to provide year-round training and competition experiences in a variety of Olympic-type sports.

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