Butte County schools and service groups came together Friday at University Stadium for the Special Olympics Track and Field Day, an annual fundraising event for a program promoting disability sports and competition.
The atmosphere was positive as parents watched their children engage in friendly competition and young athletes experienced the joys of being part of a team.
The event, hosted by the kinesiology department, is designed to serve as an opportunity for children and young adults with disabilities to come together and participate in sport competitions, according to the Adapted Physical Activity Program Web site.
"The Special Olympics program provides a safe environment for these kids and gives them an opportunity to establish relationships with each other and the volunteers," said Debbie Roth, area director of Special Olympics Butte County.
Roth, a kinesiology professor, is also a swim coach for the Special Olympics. She has been involved with Team USA for two years, is the first head coach for Team USA in aquatics and was a women's swim coach at Chico State for 15 years.
"All of my honors and awards as a coach helped get me the job with Team USA," she said.
Roth and the student volunteers get as much out of the competitions as the athletes. Their participation affords them the opportunity to get a firsthand look at disability sports and learn what is involved with the events and the athletes who compete in them.
"Working with athletes is the best part about being involved," Roth said. "It provides not only an opportunity for competition, but a chance to gain support from the community."
Track and Field Day includes events for participants who are able to walk and run, as well as events for athletes in wheelchairs. The coaches are student and adult volunteers, and must be certified by the Special Olympics.
Senior Anjie Goulding is in her second year as a coach and has been involved with the program for four years. She coaches a team of 10 Durham High School students who competed in events such as the 50-meter dash, Frisbee throw and long jump.
"We give these kids the chance to compete and have fun with peers from the community," Goulding said. "It is all developmentally appropriate and is a great experience for volunteers."
Goulding, a kinesiology major, is working in the adapted physical education program. She is contracted by schools to consult and work with children with disabilities and teaches schools how to fully involve disabled students in physical education classes.
Every year the event has grown and it now hosts more than 100 athletes from around Northern California. Many world-class disabled athletes assist with coaching and running events.
Jay Hite can be reached at jhite@theorion.com
Related links Special Olympics slideshow Kinesiology department's Special Olympics Web site
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