COLUMBUS — There is no doubt the athletes put the “special” in the Special Olympics.
At one end of the McCorkle Aquatics Pavilion on the campus of The Ohio State University some of the best divers in the country, representing Ohio State, Purdue and Michigan practiced for an upcoming meet.
All eyes of the near capacity crowd, however, were on the swimmers competing in the State Indoor Winter Games. The competitors were just as concerned about having fun as winning gold.
Kevin, a member of the Knox County contingent did both, proudly displaying his second place medal, he said he competes, for one reason, “to have fun.”
William, who finished fifth in the 25-meter freestyle, echoed his teammate’s sentiment.
“To have fun, that’s it isn’t it?” William’s mother, Janae, stood with her son outside of the arena.
“I’m so proud of him, he has never competed in swimming before and now he has made it to state, he has worked so hard and had fun.”
Some 1,150 athletes competed in swimming, team basketball and individual skills basketball over three days.
The athletes competed in individual skills basketball which included three stations, dribbling, shooting and passing.
There was also a state team competition, even though Knox County did not qualify for the team event, 17 athletes were able to advance to the Individual Skills competition.
Seven swimmers from Knox County competed in the 25 meter freestyle, 50 meter backstroke, 50 meter breaststroke and 100 meter backstroke.
Talisha Beha, Knox County coordinator explained that this was the first year for the swimmers from here, and thanked the community for their support.
“Se currently have 145 athletes that compete in at least one sport per year, with many participating in multiple sports,” Beha said.
The Knox County coach realizes that a program such as this takes many hands.
“We have 29 amazing coaches who volunteer their time to help our athletes learn new skills, build confidence and be the best that they can be on and off the court (and pool),” Beha said.
“The athletes compete at no cost to them, all funds needed for equipment, athletic gear, jerseys and event registration fees are covered by our program thanks to the many generous donors and community support.”
One of the coaches at the event, Melanie Payne was very pleased to step into a leadership role.
“When we heard that in Knox County there was an interest in a Special Olympics Swim Team, we stepped up because I have been involved in swimming my entire life,” Payne said. “Swimming is a lifetime sport and our goal is for everyone to have fun, be safe, learn some skills and make Knox County proud.”
Teresa Sant, another member of the coaching staff, looked forward by looking back.
“Mount Vernon used to be a swimming powerhouse and we are building,” Sant said.
She thanked Beha for all of her hard work.
“Talisha made it all possible, she made our jobs easy and I’m just thrilled how well our athletes have done.”
The third coach on site, Jeff Swann, summed up the purpose of the Special Olympics.
“It’s a way for them to grow, it’s not about winning and losing, it’s about beating their own time,” Swann said. “It makes them work a little harder and feel good about themselves.”
As the hundreds of athletes and spectators filed out of the natatorium, whether there was a medal around their neck or not, it was clear, there were no losers.
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