On Saturday, April 12 beginning at 9:00 am, the honorary procession including the Fontana High School Band, cheerleaders, dignitaries, coaches and athletes will follow the torch carrier for the Special Olympics across the fields at the Fontana High School Stadium, 9453 Citrus Avenue. The free event is an "area game" where hundreds of athletes within the Western San Bernardino Area Games compete by age in a variety of sporting events including aquatics, athletics, basketball, bocce, golf, gymnastics, and tennis.

Following the recitation of the Special Olympics Oath, "let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt," the coaches and athletes will gear up for a fun and competitive day of sports. Meanwhile the Kiwanis Club of Fontana and dozens of volunteers will be working behind the scenes making sure events start on time, athletes have everything they need, times are kept, water is available, and more.

The Athletes

According to Special Olympics history, the idea that inspired the movement behind the Special Olympics began in 1962 with Eunice Kennedy Shriver. The competitions are for anyone with intellectual disabilities. Today, there are 2.5 million athletes worldwide in 180 countries that compete in 30 summer and winter sports all year long. In Southern California, there are 12,000 athletes and in the Western San Bernardino Area 225 athletes are registered. The area includes residents from Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Chino, and Upland.

Today, Special Olympic athletes ages 8 and older may qualify for the games no matter the age or abilities. They are required to have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability and to put in at least 10 hours of training within 8 weeks prior to the competition.

The training required and determination of the athletes is an inspiration to many as they watch each event. For the athletes, the challenge and chance to be around friends and family makes the event extra special.

The Volunteers and Community

Volunteers are essential to the success of any event. At Fontana High School, Evelyn Vance, director of sports and athletics, has recognized that there is an opportunity for students and staff to grow and take ownership of themselves and their roles within the school or community through volunteering at the Special Olympics events.

"All of our coaches are involved and they bring their athletes to the games to help. We have clubs, other schools, and peer leaders, but it is in watching our own athletes that we see remarkable leadership skills begin to develop. The event gives the kids an opportunity to participate as peer guides and it unites the school," says Vance, adding, "when a coach has to be away for a meet, the assistant coaches and students who are left behind get a chance to play more significant roles and that means a lot to all of them as they find themselves in new leadership positions."

Vance adds that with the loss earlier this year of community leader and local organizer of the Special Olympics, Arlene Piazza, there is a desire to energize the crowd and make the opening ceremonies as grand as possible.

"This year, in addition to the regular procession of dignitaries and the torch, we will have performances from the Fontana High School band and the cheerleading squad. We want to make the opening ceremonies really big and reach out to more kids. By asking the students to volunteer by doing something they love, everything takes on a whole new meaning. It is one thing to ask kids to volunteer, it is another to ask them to teach and become role models and the difference is evident in the student's behavior and the way they take ownership of the events," said Vance.

A united community effort will give all the athletes an opportunity to share a special time within their own lives with hundreds of other people. The result is that the more the athletes enjoy the day, the more the volunteers enjoy the moment and the greater the benefit to the entire community.

To find out more, or to volunteer for the Special Olympics please call Gloria Echandi with the Fontana Kiwanis Club at (909) 829-3079. To read more about the Special Olympics Southern California, please visit www.sosc.org. To read more about the Western San Bernardino Special Olympics please visit www.factpage.com/specialolympics/.