Cortez Special Olympians take to softball for day of fun

Cortez Special Olympians take to softball for day of fun

August 2, 2001

IT WAS A NICE DAY AT THE BALL YARD for members of the Cortez Special Olympics and their unified partners recently. Spending the day playing softball were: (kneeling, left to right): coach Kevin Shepard, Mike Hall, and coach Marcelino Aldaz; (front row): Lara Gatewood, Heather Fields, Erika Peters; (second row): Eric Garcia, Leo Cross, Josh Aldaz, Beau Ayers, Kiri Buchanan; (third row): Chris Donnelly, Pebbles Clark, James Bohrer, coach Ray Vialpando Jr., and Jacob Milligan; (not pictured): Koy Polich, and Joseph Casarez. The unified partners (not pictured) were: Christina Aldaz, Krystina Robison, Christopher Robison, Maggie Peters, Kevin Fane, Amanda Lingenfelter, Sammy Lingenfelter, Brandon Morton, Vicki Kuhn, Dylaina Kuhn, Bianca Baier, Beronica Baier, Mariah Patton, and Lester Shepard.

STAFF REPORT

The Special Olympics of Cortez hosted the 2001 Softball Tournament in Cortez on July 21 at the Dolores Road Field.

There were two unified teams from Cortez and a unified team from Durango. Farmington’s team was unable to attend.

The first softball was played strictly with Cortez Special Olympic athletes against the Durango Special Olympic athletes. The was finished in a tie at 3-3. Both team members received first-place ribbons.

The second game was played with Cortez unified team no. 1 against the Durango unified team. The Cortez unified team won 13-12 after several innings played trying to break the 12-all score.

Lunch was served by the local Knights of Columbus. They served hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks.

The games continued after lunch with the Cortez Special Olympics unified team no. 1 against the CSO unified team no. 2. Team no. 2 took an 11-3 win.

Awards were presented to all the teams with first place going to the Cortez Special Olympics unified team no. 2, coached by Kevin Shepard. Second place went to Cortez Special Olympics unified team no. 1, coached by Ray Vialpando Jr. Third place went the Durango Special Olympics unified team.

A unified team is made up of Special Olympic athletes paired with non-disabled partners which helps strengthen the sports. A unified partner is there to assist with the special needs athlete and to become a friend a to assist in whatever special needs athletes might need help with, and to simply expand sports opportunities for the Special Olympics athletes and partners seeking new challenges. In addition, unified sports have dramatically increased inclusion in the community by helping break down barriers that have historically kept people with and without developmental disabilities apart.

Those who would like to volunteer and become involved with Special Olympics as a unified partner, phone Irene Aldaz at 565-3830 for more information.

The sport of Bocce was introduced to the Special Olympians during a recent practice. The sport was available to all who were present as they waited for a softball game to get over. Bocce is played with four players on each side. It consists of throwing four 4.5-inch balls underhanded toward a 2.5-inch cue ball. The object of the game is to get your balls closest to the cue ball, scoring up to 12 points. It is almost like horseshoes and lawn bowling combined. It can be played either with between only Special Olympic athletes or paired with a unified partner.

Also in between softball games, there was a softball skills clinic presented to those lower functioning athletes who have never played softball but were willing to give it a try. They threw the softball, ran bases, and swung at a tee-ball.

"We all had a wonderful, fun time," Aldaz said. "We will not be attending the State competition in softball this year, but maybe next year. One of our athletes (Josh Aldaz), whoever, was invited and has accepted to go to State to pitch for Durango’s team. We wish them good luck."

The Cortez Special Olympics said they wanted to thank all the sponsors for donation of food and game preparation and awards. They wished to thank the Knights of Columbus, Ernie Maness’ family for helping with cooking and serving, Rent All Rentals, Dave Lamke for donating tables and chairs, to the Cortez Parks and Recreation Department for usage of the field, Pete and Francis Montano for monetary donations, and to the coaches and assistant coaches, fans, and athletes.

"We would also like to take this time to say, ‘Thank You’ to our supporting community, whether you are a business or past donator of money or other items. You are truly the backbone of the Cortez Special Olympics. Without you, our athletes, unified partners, volunteers would not exist. A great big applause to all of you," she said.

The Cortez Special Olympics will be registering athletes for the fall bowling program. Those interested should contact Marcy Aldaz at 565-3830. Sponsors will be needed to help take the bowlers to State competition in Denver in November. Those who can help with monetary support or volunteer time to go on the trip can phone the above number. Donations can be mailed to: Cortez Special Olympics, 13691Road 28, Dolores, Colo. 81323. To become a unified volunteer, phone Area Coordinator Brenda Marshall at (970) 884-5055 or Marcy/Irene Aldaz at 565-3830 or Diane Fields at 564-0618.

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for persons with developmental disabilities ages 8-adult. This activity gives them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families and other Special Olympic athletes and the entire community. This is an opportunity for them and partners and volunteers in which to enrich and enhance everyone’s lives.