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INSIDE IOWA STATE May 3, 2002 There's lots to champion at Special Olympics games
Even without Bob Costas' dramatic timbre, the Olympic events that grace the ISU campus each May elicit guaranteed chills and thrills. They are Special Olympics events, to be precise, and the state finals summer games have been held at Iowa State since the mid-1980s. This year's games are May 16-18, and will involve more than 3,000 physically and mentally challenged athletes. While hundreds of university employees volunteer at the event each year, some ISU staff members view their involvement as family affairs. For the Praters of Ames, those trips to the Iowa State track were all about brother Tom. Steve Prater, an architect for facilities planning and management, and Jeff Prater, professor of music, were among Tom Prater's biggest fans when he competed for many years in the state Special Olympics event. Tom, now 52 and "retired" from the Special Olympics to pursue his love of bowling, resides in a Mainstream Living facility in Ames. Those years of competition, though, offered lifelong lessons to his family. "Competition is so highly developed in our society," Steve Prater said, "and yet when Tom and his friends came out to the Special Olympics, they just wanted to have some fun. It was so refreshing to watch these guys -- they supported each other, and they had a ball." "It's in their [persons with Down syndrome] nature to help one another out," added Merle Prater, the men's father. "The rest of our kids have learned from watching Tom in these situations, and they know you don't always have to go for the throat. Everyone goes crazy when just one person excels." Sharmon Norris agrees, based on her daughter's participation as a Special Olympics athlete for 10 years. Erika Miller, now living in a Hampton group home, competed in the 25-meter walk and the tennis ball throw. Though Erika ended her athletic career about five years ago, Norris continues to volunteer at the state event. "Spending time at the Special Olympics gives you the opportunity to understand these people are capable of so much," said Norris, an administrative specialist for the Center for Industrial Research and Service. "The simplest thing makes them so happy. It makes you wish others could see the world through their eyes." Knowing that their employer hosts the state event each year is a bonus for these Special Olympic families. "As the parent of a child who has benefited from the program, I think it says a lot for the institution that Iowa State not only endorses the program, but encourages faculty and staff to take the time to be involved," Norris said. Added Steve Prater, "There's a whole different feeling on campus when these athletes are here. They give the place a real fun sparkle." Volunteers still are needed for this year's event. If interested, contact Liz Beck, 4-4372, lcbeck@iastate.edu; or the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau, 232-4032. Iowa Special Olympics Summer Games, May 16-18 4-0002 Thursday, May 16
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Ames, Iowa 50011, (515) 294-4111 Published by: University Relations, online@iastate.edu Copyright © 1995-2001, Iowa State University. All rights reserved. |