Annual Special Olympics 5K walk is an inspiration to many

Friday, May 23, 2008

Click here to enlarge this photo Staff photo by DARWIN WEIGEL Participants in the fifth annual Special Olympics of Calvert County Inspiration 5k Run⁄Walk pose for a picture Saturday morning outside the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons. E-Mail This Article | Print This Story

The event is a major fundraiser for the Special Olympics, usually held in the spring every year. It raises money for the athletic programs.

‘‘We need to have funds to provide transportation, buy uniforms and equipment and be able to put on special events for them and give them awards like medals and certificates,” said Anne Harmon of Prince Frederick, the area director for Special Olympics. ‘‘Everybody enjoys doing this event, the families get to see their children get to participate in things and the children get to participate in the community.”

Harmon explained that athletes’ special needs range from mild to moderate. Her son, Dan, has Down syndrome.

‘‘I have been running for the Special Olympics every year,” said Dan Harmon of Prince Frederick.‘‘I like to play soccer and I have gotten gold medals for it.”

Robin Saunders of Chesapeake Beach has two children with special needs. When they reached the age of 6, the children started to train with Special Olympics. Saunders became so involved that she became the assistant area director.

‘‘We like to do this event as awareness to the community to let them know we are out there,” Saunders said. ‘‘Every year, this event is growing.”

Different groups of people participated, from families who have children with disabilities, to those who love to run, community members and local groups.

‘‘We came out today to get some exercise and support a good cause,” said Jamie Cosgrove of Lexington Park.

‘‘Our son is in the Special Olympics and we are very proud of him,” said Bill Simpson of Huntingtown. ‘‘As a parent of a child with intellectual disabilities, we are very proud of him and his growth through the Special Olympics.”

Krystal Haislip of Prince Frederick, a recreational therapist for the Arc of Southern Maryland and Special Olympics Soccer coach, was walking to support her soccer team.

‘‘The good thing about this walk is every bit of the money raised here stays here for the Calvert County athletes,” Haislip said. Haislip and several others were also walking for People First of Calvert County, an advocacy group for individuals with disabilities. It’s a group to show people who they are and what they can do, regardless of their limitations.

‘‘I have never done this before and I thought it would be an adventure. I look forward to walking,” said Charles Caplins of Huntingtown. Caplins is mentally disabled and belongs to People First of Calvert County.

The event was in part sponsored by the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Team, which marked the path that the participants ran.

Calvert County Special Olympics currently offers aquatics, basketball, bowling, floor hockey, soccer, softball and track and field activities. The annual track and field meet is held in partnership with Calvert County public schools.

‘‘We love to have the community come out and support us,” Harmon said.