By Marilyn Lau
marilyn@newsroom.byu.edu
It's more than a win or a medal.
Every foot that crosses the finish line, every person who participates comes out on top. It's the spirit of involvement.
After three days of competition, the Special Olympics Summer Games finished June 3 with excitement.
Through the heat of the past three days, athletes competed in track and field, cycling, softball, soccer and equestrian events.
Over 1,100 athletes and coaches from all over the state came to BYU's track and field facilities for the Games.
The Special Olympics motto is 'let me win but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.'
Each athlete is brave by their determination and zeal for the Games. Hi-fives exchange and shouts echo as athletes compete.
'The athletes have all the things in the world to complain about and don't. They win because they give it everything they've got,' said Aaron Young, coach for Uintah High School Special Olympics soccer and track teams.
The Olympics for us is about playing. It doesn't matter what place we get, said Young, who has coached for eight years.
During a soccer match, the Unitah's team was ahead.
'The team decided they didn't want to score for a while so the other team could catch up,' said Young.
Teamwork and sportsmanship is the glue of the Special Olympics.
'It would be sad if there were no Olympics,' said John Derieaux, athlete from the Hartvigsen Howlers. 'I think it's fun and like the activities in Olympic Town.'
Olympic Town is one of the many components of the Special Olympics. It's a place for athletes, coaches, family and volunteers to relax and enjoy each other's company.
Activities include arts and crafts, games, science and learning, clinics, entertainment and field trips.
The competing isn't over though. Most athletes will begin to prepare for the Fall Games once they get home.
'I bowl in the fall. I like to play sports all year long,' said Derieaux.