Newberg Graphic Online

Rescuing Special Olympics meet in the nick of time

Mothers rally volunteer effort for swim meet Saturday at the Chehalem Aquatic Center

• By: Frank Graham  
• Published: 11/24/2009 2:21:11 PM
• Last Updated: 11/24/2009 2:23:38 PM

Photo By: Gary AllenA medal earned
Alan Blanchard shows off the gold medal he won in the 50-yard backstroke Saturday at the Special Olympics meet at the Chehalem Aquatic Center.

   When tough economic times forced the cancellation of regional Special Olympics Oregon events, two mothers of developmentally disabled children decided to do something about it.
   “In January we found out that they had canceled the state swim meet,” said Sandy Baxter of Newberg. “We were disappointed, but then decided to see if we couldn’t host one ourselves.”
   Baxter teamed up with Baryle Angelechio, another mother of a Special Olympian, and they began brainstorming. But Baxter said the idea was daunting.
   “We didn’t know anything about swim meets,” Baxter said. “So we just decided to ask for help.”
   The women met with the Chehalem Swim Team and explained their dilemma, Baxter said. The team volunteered to help them host the meet and connected them with officials, referees and others. The idea blossomed and on Saturday 46 Special Olympians from Yamhill, Clackamas and Washington counties had their meet.
   Nonprofit organizations across the nation saw funding cuts in government aid, investment losses and a decline in donations due to the downturn in the economy. They were forced to cut costs, eliminate programs and think more creatively to serve their clients. In Oregon, some meets and events had to be canceled.
   Baxter and Angelechio said they could never have pulled off the swim meet without the help of all the volunteers. They got donations from many local organizations and even gave out goody bags to the athletes.
   “Even the Newberg High School swim team and water polo teams showed up, helped us out and cheered on the athletes,” Baxter said. “When I saw them doing the wave in the stands, it brought a tear to my eye.”
   Baxter said the kids “brought a lot of enthusiasm” that the athletes appreciated.
   “It was a huge event for the athletes,” Angelechio said. “The smiles on their faces when they get their medals is priceless.”
   “Events like this give them self-confidence,” Baxter said. “It makes them healthier mentally and physically.”
   Baxter said the Special Olympic events also teach teamwork, sportsmanship, friendship and trust.
   “They get a huge sense of accomplishment,” she said. “It took a community wide effort to pull the meet off. We appreciate all the support from the officials, volunteers, the lunches and the gift bags.”
   “The athletes don’t give up,” Angelechio said. “They just want to finish. And thanks to this community, they were able to.”

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