By Robin Gibson
rgibson@thestarpress
TheStarPress, Muncie, Indiana

The Delaware County organization has a month to raise $7,000 to send local athletes to the Indiana Summer Games.

MUNCIE - Spring arrived just last week, but summer is already looming for the Special Olympics of Delaware County.

The local organization has only a month to raise $7,000 to send athletes to the Indiana Summer Games, according to volunteers.

The funds will cover entry fees, uniforms, housing and meals for about 110 disabled athletes, as well as some volunteers, said Sally Hayden, director of Special Olympics for a seven county region that includes Delaware County.

The group does have enough money so far to cover the costs of regional competition May 10 at Ball State University, where local athletes will qualify for the state games, added Hayden, who is also director of operations for Hillcroft Services.

The Delaware County organization recently lost its longtime coordinator and is suffering from a lack of fund raising and donations that have typically covered the expenses of athletes, Hayden said.

The group gets no funds from state or national organizations, relaying instead on donations to meet its yearly budget of about $35,000, according to volunteer Barb Cox.  Since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the subsequent outpouring of support to charities related to that, raising funds for causes such as the Special Olympics has been more of a challenge, Cox added.

But the challenge is one that dedicated volunteers are determined to meet for the sake of the local athletes who compete in events such as track, bowling and basketball.  Volunteer Paul King, who has been involved since his son, Daniel, started competing 18 years ago, said the athletes enjoyed the competition as well as a camaraderie and a sense of accomplishment regardless, of who finishes first.

"To just complete the event is such a thrill," King said.  "Whoever won, it's all hugs and high fives."

The participation in Special Olympics provides social experience many participants would not get otherwise, Hayden said.

"I like to say it showcases abilities rather than disabilities," she said.