Campus Hosts Athletes at the Northern California Special Olympics Summer Games

The Northern California Special Olympics Summer Games were held at UC Berkeley last weekend, drawing approximately 1,000 athletes to compete in five sporting events.

Athletes were put to the test in competitions for track and field, tennis, aquatics and volleyball that were held on campus, while bocce was offered at Martinez Waterfront Park.

The games began with the opening ceremonies Friday night at Haas Pavillion where the athletes were welcomed by a number of speakers including Joanne Boyle, the head women’s basketball coach at UC Berkeley, and Mayor Tom Bates.

“I want to congratulate each and every one of you,” Boyle told the athletes. “Coaches like me do what we do because of you. You inspire us.”

Bates said it was an honor to have the athletes at UC Berkeley, and referred to the university’s role as a continuing supporter of disabled people’s rights.

“You guys are the athletes, the champions of the future,” Bates said.

After the speeches, participants recited the Special Olympics oath said before every event. It states, “Let me win, but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt.”

Athletes were treated to entertainment with three songs from former American Idol contestant Katherine McPhee and a performance by artist David Garibaldi, who painted portraits of popular culture icons while accompanied by music.

Between songs, McPhee congratulated the athletes on their accomplishments.

“I hope that you guys feel at home here at the Special Olympics,” McPhee said.

The ceremony concluded with the lighting of the Special Olympics torch, which was brought by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, a grassroots organization of officers in support of the Special Olympics.

Competition kicked off on Saturday morning as each athlete attended their event.

Despite nerves about the weekend’s activities, competitors said they looked forward to the opportunity to test their skills.

“I feel kind of nervous, (but) I try to stop my nerves” said Ger Xiong, a tennis player for the Fresno team.

Some of the athletes’ parents said the Special Olympics program gave their children the encouragement they need to succeed in life.

“It’s been wonderful. It’s really changed her life, just to have the chance to do something and do it well and make friends,” said Sherrie Zavattero, whose daughter Amber Kaslar competed in the track and field events.

Katie Salcone, an assistant coach and sister to swimmer Patrick Scudero, said the Special Olympics is a very important program for her brother.

“It gives him something that he’s proud of,” Salcone said. “Everyone’s a winner (in the Special Olympics) and it doesn’t get better than that.”

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