Special Olympians compete at Suicide Six
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Beth Thresher (right) crosses the finish line a split second before Steve Zue (center) during a heat ion the snowshoe competition Saturday at the Vermont Special Olympics held at Suicide Six in Pomfret. 03/ 21/09 Albert J. Marro / Rutland Herald |
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By Cristina Kumka Staff Writer - Published: March 22, 2009
WOODSTOCK — They were all champions at the 2009 Special Olympics Vermont Winter Games on Saturday. It wasn't Turin, Italy, and there was no agony of defeat.
While the event began like the famed global competition for peak world athletes, it didn't take long to hear — and see — everyone here would be a winner.
"These athletes are inspirational," said Chuck Vanderstreet, manager of the Suicide Six Ski Area, the host of the four-sport winter competition for nearly 400 developmentally disabled Vermonters for the second consecutive year.
"I have staff who say they want to work," he said. "It's an honor for us to have them … we view it as a special privilege."
Speaking on the town's green during the opening ceremonies of the games Friday night, amid a backdrop of bursting fireworks, Vanderstreet was one of many residents and dignitaries that shared their thoughts about the meaning of the annual event, established in 1971.
Gov. James Douglas, Rep. Alison Clarkson, Sen. Dick McCormack and representatives from sponsor Woodstock Inn & Resort paid homage to the athletes who streamed down the green's candlelit aisle, waving flags with the name of each of their home counties to the tune of classic Olympic ballad, "Bugler's Theme."
"Everybody in Vermont has something to contribute," the governor said.
"You break down barriers … I want to thank you for the example you set and the inspiration you provide."
Moments later, the athletes, some in wheelchairs and some with aids, passed down a torch and lit the traditional flame.
"You really get attached to the kids," said Katie Dibella, a 16-year-old partner from Woodstock Union High School that volunteers annually for the games. "I love it."
A 48 percent increase in participation in this year's winter games compared to 2008, which began Wednesday with a snowshoe event partnering disabled students with their non-disabled peers from 14 learning centers and schools statewide, proved Dibella wasn't alone.
Attendees, volunteers and organizers attributed the spike in participation to the Woodstock community and the growing recognition of children and adults with disabilities.
Twelve-year-old skier Malarie Allen from Tinmouth said her and her peers weren't special — the people she's skied with for at least the last four years seemed more normal compared to some kids without disabilities at Mill River Union High School.
Allen, who has a form of attention deficit disorder, said she felt right at home.
"There's a lot of people who don't know about the Special Olympics and if they did they would figure out that these people don't have a disability at all," she said.
Dad Todd Allen said, "In reality, nobody's perfect.
Vanderstreet said he knew he was home.
"A lot of these special athletes are in the community and are at the resort … at the racquet club, fitness club and come to swim," he said. "It's like a big family."
The games continue at Suicide Six today from 9 a.m. to noon, with giant slalom and downhill competitions and alpine skiing and snowboarding award presentations. For more information, go to vtso.org.
cristina.kumka@rutlandherald.com
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