Special Olympics keeps fast pace

Special Olympics keeps fast pace

July 12, 2001

MEMBERS OF THE Special Olympics Team and their friends were on hand for a torch-lighting ceremony. Pictured are, back, left to right: Mike Hall, Keri Buchanan, Beau Ayers, Brent Powell, Cortez Police; Jacob Milligan and Marcy Aldaz, coach. Front, left to right, are: Heather Fields, Christina Aldaz and Joshua Aldaz.

By Diane Fields

The Special Olympics of Cortez has been very busy this year. It began with the law enforcement torch run, which started in Cortez and continued to Durango and Pagosa Springs. The torch then traveled 1,500 miles to reach and light the Olympic Torch at Fort Collins to celebrate the opening ceremonies.

The Pagosa Springs torch run, which combined with the regional swimming meet, was very successful. All of our swimmers qualified to go to state competition at Fort Collins. The Cortez Swimming Dolphins worked very hard in training for eight weeks to prepare for this special event.

The trip to Fort Collins for state competition was very exciting. With the generous help from many local businesses, we were able to go and visit several places on the way and on the way back. We stayed at the Great Sand Dunes Lodge where our hosts supplied gas grills, wonderful accommodations and gifts for all our athletes. We even received free gas. We were so grateful. The athletes went to the Great Sand Dune River and had a wonderful time.

We are happy to announce that every athlete from Cortez won at least one medal at state competition in Fort Collins. The competition included the following events:

15-meter floatation-Heather Fields-First
25-meter floatation-Heather Fields-First, Christina Aldaz-Second, Erica Peters-Third
15-meter walking-Lara Gatewood-First, Jamie Traught-First
15-meter unassisted-Heather Fields-First, Christina Aldaz-Second, Erica Peters-Second, Lara Gatewood-Second
10-meter assisted-Lacey Boren-Second
25-meter backstroke-Mike Hall-First, Joshua Aldaz-Second, Jacob Milligan-Second, Kiri Buchanan-Third, Beau Ayers-Part
25-meter freestyle-Mike Hall-First, Beau Ayers-First, Joshua Aldaz-Second, Jacob Milligan-Second, Kiri Buchanan-Third
50-meter freestyle-Beau Ayers-First, Joshua Aldaz-Second, Mike Hall-Second, Kiri Buchanan-Second, Jacob Milligan

On the final day of competition, our athletes were treated to a trip to the Denver Zoo. At the Zoo, the athletes were able to pet snakes, gain information about elephants and take a short train ride. It was a wonderful five days.

Cortez Special Olympics would like to say thank you to the many businesses that made it all possible. It is so wonderful to live in a rich community where we all help each other for the gift of friendship.

MEMBERS OF the local Special Olympics team stand tall at a recent competition, where they took home several medals. From left to right, back, are: Marcy Aldaz, coach; Jamie Traught, Irene Aldaz, coach; Jacob Milligan, Jerry Fields, coach; Diane Fields, coach; Beau Ayers, Mike Hall and Keri Buchanan. In front, left to right are: Joshua Aldaz, Erica Peters, Heather Fields, Christina Aldaz, (seated) Lacy Boren, and (kneeling) Lara Gatewood.

Without all the contributions of shampoo, conditioners, soap, money, food, lotion, napkins, paper plates, utensils, snacks, power drinks, condiments and so much more, we all would not have been able to take our special athletes to the state competition. We all thank you so much. Those who helped include:

Towaoc Swimming Pool, Valley Inn, Hair Headquarters, KFC in Pagosa Springs, McDonalds, Anasazi Inn, Holiday Inn, Wal-Mart hair cuts, City Market, Car Quest, Vista Mesa Assisted Living, Verizon, Notah Dineh, Rent All Rentals, Susies Hallmark, Golden Corral, Creative Habitat, Taco Bell, Sonic Burger, Citizens State Bank, KFC in Cortez, Great Sand Dunes Lodge, Wendy’s, Best Western, Comfort Inn, Wal-Mart, Conoco, Big O Tires, Madison House Assisted Living, Charter Communications, Slavens, Dream Catcher, Abundant Life, Avon-Jeannie Stevens, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Pockets Pizza, Car America, Dr. Kast, DDS, Lavern Saunders, Jack Jacobsen, Keri Buchanan and grandmother, Roy Lane, Brent Powell, Radio Shack, Safeway, Anne Brown and Dawn Epps.

We would also like to thank our volunteers and coaches without whom we could not have done it: Jerry and Diane Fields, Marcy and Irene Aldaz, Kevin, Hedi and Lynn Buchanan, Beth Ross, Chantel and Maggie.

This is the beginning of the Olympic season, we are having softball, bowling, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and perhaps other events this year. If you are interested in participating as an athlete or volunteer, please contact our coordinator, Brenda Marshall (970) 884-5055 for more information.

Softball started Tuesday, July 3, at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Marcy Aldaz at 565-3830.