Tiger Times
Differences deplete as students competeThursday, March 15, 2012 By Brandon Sanchez
Every child in this world is different, having varying skin tones, different hair, and different personalities. Some children, however, have much rarer differences because of their disabilities, which only make them increasingly different from the rest of their peers. These differences couldn’t change one thing, however, and that is the love of competing. On a warm and sunny leap year last Wednesday, the Marion County Special Olympics organization gave students from numerous county schools a chance to compete. Held at Forest High School, this annual event dates back to 1972, and even with severe budget cuts, it has still been financially supported enough with fundraisers to continue on. Masses of students from Forest left their classrooms and packed the bleachers of the school’s field in order to witness the opening ceremony. This included a live singing of the national anthem, a spirit banner competition that each school participates in, a short thank-you speech by an Orlando news anchor, WESH 2’s own Jim Payne, and of course, the lighting of the torch to official commence the event. Once the opening ceremony concluded, the track and field entire area was riddled with different events and participants shuffling between them. Dunnellon High was present and ready to compete, with 3 of its students overcoming their personal obstacles to fight to be the best out of all the other opponents, just like any regular competition. Chester Cody produced great results in the 50 meter walk and the tennis throw, earning first place in both events. His teammate Mark Opatz also grabbed first place in the tennis throw, along with first place in the 50 meter run. “I was getting prepared to be the fastest speed-demon I could be,” says Opatz. “That’s how I got pumped, and it feels great (to win)”. Right behind them was Brandon Grant, who excelled in the softball throw and the 25 meter run, earning himself second place in both events. Winning “felt good”, he said, speaking over his pride for representing Dunnellon. Mrs. Maher, the participants’ teacher and the one who set up Dunnellon’s showing at the Special Olympics is exceedingly passionate about her student’s involvement with the program. “If even just 1 student wants to compete, I’ll take them there because it’s that important to them.” she says. Participants aren’t the only ones who show up, either. “Even the students who don’t compete want to go and show their support. That’s what I’m most proud of, because having the students come to support the others says a lot about what type of kids we have here at DHS.” |