Special challenge to special people

Special Olympics

tourney in

New Ulm

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- The Special Olympics' Area 9 softball tournament, ostensibly to qualify entrants in the state tournament next month, was held Saturday on the diamonds at Harman Park.

Unlike most sports tournaments, however, there wasn't the sadness among those who didn't triumph that accompanies most sports tournaments.

You see, several teams had already decided whether they would be going to the state tournament in the Twin Cities in mid-July. The tournament was being held simply to give challenged athletes the thrill of competition, said Mike Gottberg of Mankato, sports coordinator for Minnesota Special Olympics Area 9.

"The emphasis is not on winning but on giving these players the opportunity to do their best. The competition is good because the winning is there, but playing the game is the important part," he explained.

This year's area tournament drew 109 athletes competing on two teams from New Ulm, three from Mankato and one team from Austin in two regular softball divisions. Two other teams from Mankato played each other in the T-ball division, Gottberg said.

Another variation from the usual sports tournament is that the teams that actually win the tournament aren't required to go to the state tournament.

"We leave it all up to the teams. The two teams from New Ulm already have decided they want to go to the state tournament," Gottberg explained.

The philosophy that playing the game is the important part is replicated in all the sports that are available to challenged athletes through the Special Olympics program, Gottberg said.

"We have a year-round program including softball, golf, bowling, aquatics, basketball, volleyball and track and field. We also have unified bowling in which a handicapped bowler is paired with a non-handicapped bowler."

For this tournament, the New Ulm Lions sponsored the food concessions, and the New Ulm Police Department supported the opening torch run. However, Gottberg said it's continuing job to find sponsors like that to help with putting on events like the area tournaments.

"If there are any (potential) sponsors out there, we'd really like to hear from them. They can call us on our 800-number (800-620-9620). We can use sponsors, coaches and even event planners, you name it."

The tournament wound up with presentation of first, second and third awards in each of the two regular divisions and first and second awards in T-ball, meaning that every team got something for having played the game.