The Special Olympics had their Regional or Tri- area Track Meet on May 10 at Englewood High School. The competitors, though being specially challenged, were none the less very competitive. The temperature was cool but the atmosphere was warm, with smiles in abundance not only the proud parents with their child's accomplishments, but the competitors themselves showed joy for fellow athletes as much as they did for their own achievements. This event is for all age competitors not just the young and is the event that sends it's best on to the State event held in Greeley at the UNC College Stadium on May 31 st and June 1 st and will decide who is the best in the State that day. This event brought athletes from as far south as Walsenberg and as far north as Longmont and had some competitors from as far as Grand County. There is always a story within a story, so I would like to share one young man's story.

Charles Barenberg started out at a small school in Lakewood run by the Loretto Nuns, the Havern Center. A school devoted to those with special needs, when he was there he had 85 students as classmates. The school tries to develop the physical area in their students; they started Charles out on running. He took to this like a duck to water, and has steadily progressed ever since. His father Phil started entering him in recreational runs in Highlands Ranch and other areas around the Metro Area. Charles now attends Chaparral High and is a member of their Cross Country and Track Team. So he has went from the Special Olympic Arena to the full High School Sports Arena, hoorah! You can just never quit reaching-out; Havern Center didn't and just look. If you get a chance make the trip to Greeley, you will have one wonderful day of sports and life, enjoy.