<p>Annapolis, Md. (NNS) -- The U.S. Naval Academy, in coordination with the Annapolis Junior Chamber of Commerce, hosted the 39th annual Special Olympics on April 21 and 22. </p>
<p>The event drew more than 175 athletes from Anne Arundel, Calvert, and Howard counties in Maryland. More than 300 volunteers, including midshipmen, active-duty service members and local high school students volunteered to support the event as athlete escorts and event staff.</p>
<p>"They are all amazing people and to be able to spend a day with and getting to know them is a very rewarding experience," said Midshipman 2nd Class Jenna Schutz, an athlete escort. "You know it's going to be a good day with the start of a new friendship."</p>
<p>Festivities began on the first day with the aquatics competitions. Participants raced through various distances and strokes while being cheered on by their escorts and a crowd of more than 600 spectators in the academy's Lejeune Hall. The athletes also enjoyed a surprise appearance from Bill the Goat, the Naval Academy mascot.</p>
<p>On the second day, the Naval Academy Band led the athletes in a ceremonial lap around the track during the opening ceremony. Athletes and volunteers then enjoyed performances from the Academy Color Guard and the Midshipmen's Silent Drill Team, "The Jolly Rogers." The second day consisted of track and field events, including short distance runs, softball throws, relays, and long jumps.</p>
<p>"I am going to enjoy all of my events," said Amy Deluca, an athlete from the Annapolis area. "It feels awesome because it is something I do just for me."</p>
<p>At the beginning of the Special Olympics, the athletes all recite the Special Olympics oath, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." To honor their efforts, each athlete went home with a medal.</p>
<p>"It's great to see these people who have challenging lives enjoy themselves," said Midshipman 1st Class Daniel Misch, one of the Special Olympics coordinators. "It's a good feeling to be able to give back to people and to see how much your presence and encouragement mean to the athletes. </p>
<p>We're grateful for the turnout and this was a great way to cap off the year."</p>
<p>Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition.</p>
<p>For more news from the U.S. Naval Academy, visit <a href="http://www.news.navy.mil/local/usna/%5B/url%5D">www.news.navy.mil/local/usna/</a>.
Story Number: NNS070426-22 - Release Date: 4/26/2007 5:25:00 PM</p>
<p>BYLINE: Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Matthew Ebarb, U.S. Naval Academy Public Affairs
SECTION: U.S. NAVY RELEASES
Copyright 2007 Federal Information and News Dispatch, Inc.
Defense Department Documents and Publications
April 26, 2007</p>