
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, April 20, 1993                   TAG: 9304200152
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE: RADFORD                                LENGTH: Short

SPECIAL OLYMPICS DRAWS 200 ATHLETES

Despite cloudy, chilly weather Saturday, more than 200 athletes from the New River Valley turned out to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of Special Olympics, an international competition program for children and adults with mental disabilities.

Athletes competed in 23 events at the Area 9 spring games at Radford High School's Bobcat Stadium.

"Everyone's a winner because they all participate and have a good time," said Karissa Scrogham, a Virginia Tech human services student who handled Special Olympics publicity.

Athletes took part in everything from track and field to wheelchair events. There also were participation events for those with profound disabilities.

"It's not a one-time event," Scrogham said, adding that participants undergo an eight-week training period before the games. Special Olympics holds spring, summer and winter events.

Scrogham said volunteers from Virginia Tech and Radford University were among those pitching in to help. In addition to making sure everything went OK, many volunteers followed participants throughout the day, cheering them on and providing support.

by CNB