Special Olympics Area Meet at Cuesta

Five hundred Special Olympics athletes participated in the Special Olympics Area Meet at the San Luis Obispo campus on Friday, May 6. This event coordinated the efforts of 900 plus community volunteers, including students from the local high schools, Cal Poly and Cuesta. The opening ceremonies were the first to be held in the new gym and according to Area Director, Jody Watty, were “by far, the best they have ever been!”

Special Olympics involves individuals of all ages and ability levels – from people with low motor abilities to highly skilled athletes who can compete in a higher level of sports both in and out of Special Olympics. This year, athletes competed in UnifiedBasketball, track and field, bocce, MATP or aquatics. This event qualified athletes to go on to the state games at CSU Long Beach in June. For Special Olympics athletes, the training never stops and the benefits last a lifetime. The training for competition is just as important as the competition itself.

The success of this event is due to the driving force of Judy Rittmiller, DSPS Support Services Assistant, Bob Mariucci, Athletic Direcor and Jani Johnson, Athletics instructor. Great appreciation goes to the Physical Plant staff, who prepared the playing fields for the event. This was Judy Rittmiller’s 21st year volunteering with Special Olympics, and she hopes that we can bring it back to Cuesta College again next year.

If you are interested in getting involved by becoming a volunteer or participating as an athlete, contact Judy Rittmiller, 546-2485 or Jody Watty, 544-6444 for more information.