School supports Special Olympics

By Aletha Powers

On Saturday, Oct. 12, Santa Clara hosted the 2002 Silicon Valley Region Special Olympics Soccer Qualifier at Bellomy Field.

The event, which was sponsored by the Santa Clara Community Action Program (SCCAP), drew over 200 volunteers, including SCCAP members, Santa Clara alumni, various students and others in the area.

"I saw so many people standing on the sidelines cheering for the athletes," said Julie Huang, SCCAP program coordinator for Special Olympics. "People would come up to me throughout the day and ask, 'I'm here to help, what can I do?' It was so refreshing."

SCCAP has been involved with Special Olympics for the last 15 years, giving Santa Clara students the opportunity to serve others and come away with a better understanding of people with disabilities and what they're capable of achieving. For the athletes, it's a time to shine.

Volunteers and fundraising make an event like Special Olympics possible, according to Donna Hepp, sports manager for Santa Clara County. Without the support of organizations like SCCAP, which helped to provide the facility, food and numerous volunteers, Special Olympics would not be the success that it is.

The competition began at 9 a.m. and lasted until 3 p.m. Fifteen teams from Santa Clara County, Salinas, Santa Cruz, Oakland and Union City gathered to play 5-on-5 soccer. There was an individual skills competition for athletes not competing on teams. It was a day of fun competition for all, where the Special Olympic Athlete Oath, "Let me win; but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt," rang true.

Confident in their own abilities, many athletes set high goals for themselves. His first time at Special Olympics, Zachary Cordero, 13, said his main goal was "Winning the gold medal for our team." In the individual skills competition, Albert Sanders, 44, had a similar goal. "I hope to win," he said.

Parents of athletes seemed less concerned with winning. Silvia Castro, whose daughter Danielle Castro plays for the Yerba Buena Warriors, said, "My only hope is that they're happy."

Win or lose, the athletes appeared to enjoy the day's event, which included an opening ceremony at 8 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of the National Anthem by members of Santa Clara's acappella choir, and lastly, the lighting of the torch.

In addition to the competition, several activities were provided to entertain the athletes. A hospitality tent, sponsored by the Santa Clara Alumni Association, was set up for intermissions between games. It provided snacks, music and dancing, arts and crafts projects, hula hooping and bubble blowing for all the athletes and volunteers.

Jim Siwicki, S.J., alumni volunteer coordinator, was responsible for attracting over 50 Santa Clara alumni to this event. "Events like this are good because they allow alumni to work with students and feel connected," said Siwicki. However, more importantly, he stated, "We're here to serve the athletes. Today's about them, not about us."

Also there to show their support, take pictures with the athletes and help pass out awards, were members of the Santa Clara women's soccer team. "Anything we can do to make their experience more memorable," said senior Erin Sharpe.

With lots of spirit, energy and smiling faces, this year's Special Olympics Soccer tournament is sure to leave a fond memory in the minds of several athletes, parents and volunteers. "I hope everyone will go away with something today," said Jenny Choo, competition manager for Special Olympics.

Later this year, SCCAP will be sponsoring the 13th Annual Special Olympics Auction. All students, alumni and other members of the community are encouraged to attend the auction, which raises money for both the Santa Clara Special Olympics Soccer and Basketball tournaments.