By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

They came from as far south as Orange County and as far north as Ventura, all eager to show off their hard work and preparation. Hundreds of athletes assembled on the field of Crescenta Valley High School on Saturday, April 8 to take part in the annual Tri-Valley Special Olympics Games.

Dignitaries like Glendale Mayor Paula Devine, Sen. Anthony Portantino, Glendale Fire Dept. Battalion Chief Cody Smith and GPD Officer Matt Zakarian accompanied the athletes onto the field. There was a presentation by the color guard, a welcome by Special Olympics Southern California President and CEO Bill Shumard and a greeting by student and competitor Michael Leon. Then it was time for the games to begin.

Whether running the track or rolling a bocce ball, determination – and enjoyment – could be found on the faces of the participants.

The backbone of the Games included familiar faces like Kyle Studebaker, who has been overseeing the food preparation and distribution for nine years. She praised donors like Smith Produce, Schreiners Fine Sausage and Berolina Bakery that donate year after year and volunteers who arrive early to lend a hand.

“We couldn’t do it without their help,” Studebaker said. “These repeat volunteers show their level of commitment and how important this event is.”

Coach Todd Hunt has been participating in the Special Olympics for seven years.

“I originally worked with the Games through the Glendale Kiwanis,” said Hunt. “I love working with our athletes and helping them succeed.”

According to Kim Villa, program specialist with Special Olympics, 300 athletes competed in this year’s Tri-Valley Games.

“Every year is unique, but we see the community awareness in the Games growing,” she said. She added that the athletes particularly like the “buddies” they’re assigned.

The buddies assist the athletes at the games, getting them where they need to be and cheering them on when they compete. The buddies are mainly students from GUSD high schools and they train beforehand.

“Culturally, this event lends itself to the school environment,” said Villa. “I get so many compliments on the students’ participation.”

She also lauded the community attention to getting the word out about the Tri-Valley Games.

“Just seeing different people from the community is great,” she said. “It’s one more step in breaking the stereotype of Special Olympics’ athletes. They do train hard and they do run fast.”

A fundraiser for Special Olympics takes place on April 28 at Hill Street Café, 1004 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada Flintridge. From 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sheriff Department personnel will be serving Hill Street customers as part of a Tip-A-Cop fundraiser. Proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics Tri-Valley region.

  robin goldsworthy