SPECIAL SATURDAY

By Robyn Glick

Saturday, May 5, 1973, was a very special Saturday for 100 mentally handicapped children and young adults representing six agencies from Naperville and surrounding communities. Concerned with meeting the needs of this special population, the staff of the Naperville Park District organized and hosted their First Annual Special Olympics. With the approval of the City Council and our Honorable Mayor, this Saturday was declared Special Olympic Saturday.

The Special Olympics began in 1968 when the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation contacted concerned mental health agencies and park districts presenting their ideas on a year-round physical training program for the mentally handicapped. The year-round training program would then culminate annually in an Olympic meet. Although the minds of the handicapped cannot develop at a normal rate of growth, through proper training, many of the children can develop bodies as coordinated as the normal child.

Planning a community-wide event of this size is not a one man job, but rather, requires the cooperation of many agencies. Letters requesting assistance were sent to all Naperville service organizations. Many responded, volunteering to help with the track and field events. The Veterans of Foreign Wars served as an honor guard and donated a national flag and flags for the participants.

The fire department helped lead the opening parade. Helping conduct the swim meet was the Naperville YMCA and their volunteers. An American Red Gross volunteer manned the First Aid Station. Acting as the clerk-of-the-course was the high school wrestling coach.

These are only a few of the agencies which helped make this first meet a success. Twenty-three recreation students from the College of DuPage helped in diverse capacities ranging from track and field judges to big buddies to the children

All children in the Special Olympics march in the parade of flags and participate in the lighting of the Olympic torch.

EMH child participates in the broad jump event at the Special Olympics.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 8 July/August, 1973

All children who participate in Special Olympics receive an award at the closing ceremony.

Prior to the meet, a community volunteer orientation meeting was held. Forty people came to the meeting. Surprisingly, all appeared the day of the meet. In fact, some brought their friends. On a note of true commitment, two junior high boys with learning disabilities volunteered because they wanted to help those less capable than themselves.

The meet was held at the track and indoor pool at North Central College in Naperville. The athletic department there was very cooperative, loaning us equipment and complete use of their facilities.

Between events, sports and games clinics were made available for the olympians. The park district's Mobile Recreation Unit housing a variety of games and the teen drama staff provided a diversion from boredom. Further, the local high school loaned us its trampoline and several senior gymnasts. For many children, this was their first gymnastic experience.

Refreshments were donated by concerned citizens. One supporter developed a corps of teenage bakers whipping up 600 cookies.

The parade, opening ceremonies, lighting of the Olympic torch, releasing balloons, warm-up exercises, winning, receiping a ribbon, laughing, comradeship, tears of joy, community support, all helped make the Naperville Park District's First Annual Special Olympics a success.

For many participants, it was only a beginning.

(Editor's Note: Robyn Glide is Recreation Supervisor for the Naperville Park District.)

Illinois Parks and Recreation 9 July/August, 1973