Fierce competition marks 27th Special Olympics

May 2, 2004

The Daily Northwestern

Even though Gary Berliant is the Division 1 state champion in the 100-meter walk, he said he was still anxious an hour before the event.

The New Trier Township High School student paced the sidelines at Northwestern’s 27th annual Special Olympics Spring Games, enthusiastically cheering on his teammates.

“I’m really nervous,” he said between shouts of encouragement. “It was really exciting to win last year, but I hope I win again.”

Berliant was one of 354 athletes competing Sunday at Morton West High School in Berwyn, Ill. With the aid of about 500 volunteers, the athletes participated in events such as softball throw, shot put, motorized wheelchair races and relays.

A four-man team from Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation proudly displayed gold medals for the 400-meter relay race. The team trained every week for more than an hour in preparation for the games, said Brain Houzenga, their coach.

“We’ve been practicing for a long time,” said William Fabbri, 29, a member of the winning team. “We were pretty fast.”

His teammate, 24-year-old Chad Fabian, showed off another gold medal for the shot put event. “We’re going to state!” he yelled, grinning.

First-place finishers are invited to attend the state competition at Illinois State University in Normal, Ill., but all athletes who finish events received awards.

Before each event, many athletes stretched and jogged in place alongside their student coaches. As competitors crossed the finish line, they were immediately met by cheering family members and volunteers.

“The Northwestern students have been a wonderfully dedicated group,” said Kim Riddering, area director for Special Olympics. “They’ve been here all day long, but their enthusiasm never seems to die out.”

Heather Grant, volunteer coordinator for the event, organized hundreds of volunteers from NU, Morton West High School, New Trier and others.

“People in the community really stepped up,” said Grant, a Communication senior. “Every year we have even more volunteers than we need. It’s always an amazing success.”

Between their events, athletes and coaches participated in carnival games at “Olympic Town,” played with animals in a petting zoo and enjoyed entertainment from various NU groups such as Purple Haze and the Lady Cats.

NU football players also volunteered as security guards and tossed around a football with athletes.

“It’s great just seeing their faces,” said Adam Paoli, a Weinberg junior and wide receiver for the Cats. “They tell us how they come to our football games and how they play football too. It makes them really happy.”

Weinberg freshman Warren Anderson stood at the finish line as Berliant prepared to defend his title in the 100-meter walk. Throughout the day, Anderson chatted with athletes and shouted encouragement from the sidelines.

With a look of determination on his face, Berliant power-walked to victory, capturing the gold medal and the chance to defend his title at Illinois State. Upon crossing the finish line, he was swarmed by exuberant friends and family.

“I’ve been able to talk with a lot of the athletes today, and to see the looks on their faces when they race — it’s kind of special,” Anderson said. “Win or lose, they know they’re winners.”