New Ulm hosts Special Olympics tournament

By RACHEL WEDDIG

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- The lighting of the Special Olympics torch at Harman Park didn't just signify the beginning of the first Area 9 Special Olympics Unified Softball tournament -- it also signified a time of laughter, competition and fun. Whether one was sitting in the stands cheering on the teams, or on the field sliding into second base, feelings of joy and happiness were evident.

The first Area 9 co-ed Special Olympics United Softball Tournament was held at Harman Park Saturday. Athletes from the New Ulm Special Olympics, the Special Olympics of New Ulm Local Sports Management Team and community members formed six teams to play in the softball tournament. In total, 132 people participated in the tournament.

Softball tournament coordinator Kathy Hazuka organized the event as part of a scholarship she received through the Minnesota Private College Fund. Hazuka is currently a junior at St. Scholastica in Duluth.

"I'm hoping the athletes get a sense that they can compete with members of the community," Hazuka said. "And I hope that people can realize that this isn't a tee-ball league. The athletes love doing this and like to be competitive."

Special Olympics Area 9 consists of Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Le Sueur, Martin, Nicollet, Scott, Sibley, Waseca and Watonwan counties.

Area 9 Sports Coordinator Mike Gottberg enjoys sports activities that get community members involved with the Special Olympics program.

"This is a good program," Gottberg said. "It's a good way to have athletes mixed with non-handicapped people. This helps the athletes to become more productive members of society and to become more involved socially."

Gottberg encourages anyone interested in helping with the Special Olympics sports programs to do so, because there is usually a task for everyone.

"The minimum volunteer age is eight years old, and anyone is invited to help," Gottberg said. "We've had first and second graders hold the string at track and field events and we've had people help to promote activities. This shows people are willing to help and it's a good thing for any community."

Gottberg appreciates all the hard work that the New Ulm Special Olympics Sports Management Team puts into a sports event like the softball tournament.

"The work they do is an act of love," Gottberg said. "Coordinator Bob Childrey and group have put in countless hours for the program and it is very time consuming. But they all hang in there and do a good job."

Madlyn Halvorson was on hand for the day's activities as a first-aid volunteer.

"I'm really glad that it's cloudy and cool," Halvorson said. "I enjoy coming to see my clients play -- it's real interesting. It's always fun to take part in these events."

One person excited about participating in the tournament was New Ulm resident Tammy Suess, who has been an athlete with the Special Olympics for 17 years. Suess is no stranger to Special Olympics sports events as she plays volleyball, track and field and softball.

"I'm here to have fun and am familiar with softball," Suess said. "My mom is here watching me and I have fun participating in these events. I got out and have fun and get to meet new people."

The only letdown with the tournament was the lack of participation from other Area 9 Special Olympic organizations.

"We sent out fliers to every team in Area 9 and didn't get a single reply back," Hazuka said. "Then we sent fliers to every team in Minnesota and still didn't get a response."

Gottberg explained it will take a few years for a new sports event to grow and that during the next few years participation should increase.

"Four years ago we started unified bowling and it started out real small," Gottberg said. "Now its grown into one of the third largest tournaments."

Others also had high praise for the tournament.

"I think this event is a good way to bring the community together and to have support from the community and volunteers," Registration Coordinator Brandy Kuck said. "I think it's good for the community to see all the gifts and talents of the athletes."

Kuck wants to thank everyone for all their hard work and dedication in making the softball tournament happen.

"On behalf of the Local Sports Management Team, I'd like to thank everyone in the community who has donated their time, money, services or goods to make the Area 9 Softball tournament happen for its athletes and the community," Kuck said.

If anyone is interested in volunteering on the Local Sports Management team please contact Bob Childrey at (507) 354-2250 or Brandy Kuck at (507) 439-6763. No experience is required and training is provided.