Special event: Everyone's a winner at Jaycees-MRDD Olympics

Story in May 12, 2008 Repository 

BY LISA REICOSKY
REPOSITORY STAFF WRITER

NORTH CANTON The event is called the Special Olympics, but somehow "special" doesn't quite capture the scene.

More than 100 exceptional, spirited, extraordinary, and yes, special, athletes competed Saturday at North Canton Memorial Stadium in the North Canton Jaycees-Stark County MRDD Invitational Track Meet and Bocce Competition.

Under a blue, sunny sky, teams from Stark Public Schools Special Olympics, Stark County MRDD, Hudson Special Olympics, the Medina Society of Handicapped Citizens, and Medina MRDD competed for ribbons in track and field events that included individual races, relays, the softball throw, shot put, long jump and many more.

Among the competitors, ages 16 to over 60, were new athletes and a few seasoned veterans.

Louise Cox has been competing in Special Olympics for 30 years. At age 48, she is a leader among Stark MRDD members.

"It's fun meeting friends and getting along with other people," said Cox, who changes events every year to keep things fresh. "I will come back until I retire, when I'm 55. That's old to me."

For first-time competitor Mike Miller, 23, the ribbons and experience came a close second behind the other highlight of his day.

"My favorite thing was getting interviewed by The Repository," he said with a smile.

Assistant Coach Darla Orenchuk, who volunteers with her husband, John, and coaches their son, also named John, said the Stark MRDD team practices twice a week, and some already have qualified for the state meet in Columbus in June.

"There were no big surprises today," she said of the local meet. "And no big surprises are good things."

Her husband added, "This has done (John) a lot of good. It teaches him to wait in line, and share, and respect others' personal space."

For the younger John, the highlight of the day was running the final leg of the torch relay.

"I got to light the flame," he said enthusiastically.

Nick Doll, 18, of Canton, competed with the Royal Knights of the Canton Public Schools and won first place in the 100-meter dash.

"We come out and have fun and it doesn't matter if you win or lose," he said.

His proud mother, Elaine Doll, added, "It's so special because he can do what all the typical kids are doing. He experiences the whole thrill and success of it."

Among the volunteers Saturday were Hoover High School student athletes. Erica Cornell, Katie Eastman, Taylor Martinelli, and Cece Ramsey worked the awards table and learned some life lessons in the process.

"I love this," said Ramsey. "They are so happy."

"It's very touching," said Eastman.

Cornell summed it all up: "They are happy no matter what happens, which is what we should all be like."