Sunday, Apr. 27, 2008

Special Olympians victorious in the field

When Heather Fraze of Modesto raced against Tyrone Sanchez of Turlock on Saturday morning, she was "the rabbit," something like a pace car for NASCAR.

Fraze, using a walker, finished 90 seconds ahead of Sanchez, who was in his wheelchair. But the standing ovation from fans was all Sanchez needed as he pushed himself to the finish line, about 25 yards from the start.

Welcome to Stanislaus County's 35th annual Special Olympics. The day stayed ever true to the theme that each contestant wore on tie-dyed T-shirts: "How far is far, how high is high? We'll never know until we try."

About 60 athletes competed at the field dedicated to Special Olympics next to John F. Kennedy School in south Modesto. They were joined by about 300 parents and volunteers. Most contestants competed in three events, a 50-meter dash, softball throw and long jump. They were matched against people of similar motor skills.

Fraze had her own moment to shine. She put aside her walker to try her traditional test, an unaided 10-yard dash. The hushed crowd erupted into a sustained ovation when Fraze fell with joy across the finish line into the arms of a waiting judge. It took her 90 seconds, 21 steps and one other fall to complete her run.

Just because the crowd was courteous to every effort doesn't mean the competitive fires weren't burning bright.

Jeanne Michener ran against two men in her heat and complained when one strayed into her lane. And that was after she had won.

"Fast Eddie" Summers of Modesto finished second in his foot race but won the long jump. With his face contorted in pain as he pushed himself, a volunteer whispered, "Oh, please don't have a heart attack!"

The same worker worried about Summers' wardrobe. At his last practice, Fast Eddie's drawers dropped to his ankles.

There was no need to worry. Everything stayed on the up and up.

Congratulated on his performance, Fast Eddie was asked his age. "Thirty-five," he replied.

A volunteer noted that Eddie has been 35 for at least 10 years. Apparently, Summers likes the number so much, he's decided to camp out there until further notice.

Modestan Angie Pinto, 8, was one of the youngest and smallest competitors.

Jake Sroufe, 9, of Turlock, proved neither age nor lack of size were obstacles. He beat people in his group who were a foot taller. In the softball throw, he hit an outer marker. He did so well, a good-humored onlooker muttered "ringer" to his mother.

His time in the 50 was only one second behind the best of the day, Cheynee Williams, who finished his heat in 7.71 seconds to earn a blue ribbon.

The Special Olympics is a year-round sports program for those with intellectual disabilities. Sports include soccer, baseball, softball, swimming, bowling and track.

For more information, go to www.specialolympics.org. In Stanislaus County, call 522-1544.

Bee staff writer Roger W. Hoskins can be reached at rhoskins@modbee.com or 578-2311.