MAYOR’S COLUMN -- John Collins

I would like to recommend to each reader what I believe could be one of

the most uplifting experiences you will find anywhere.

On Oct. 16, Fountain Valley will host the 1999 Sports Classic I, and I am

happy to welcome all of you to attend.

Opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. at the Fountain Valley Recreation

Center at Brookhurst Street and Heil Avenue, and will involve more than

800 Special Olympics athletes and Unified Sports Partners from all over

Southern California.

Over the span of almost four decades, I have enjoyed umpiring at many

levels of baseball and softball, from Babe Ruth to Little League,

Fountain Valley Youth Baseball, and many softball leagues, including U.S.

Army leagues.

I have many fond memories, and a few that aren’t so fond.

But the only time this “man in blue” had to wipe away tears was when I

umpired for several years for the Special Olympics in the late ‘80s.

Watching these special athletes brings a heart full of pride and a touch

of emotion.

What great role models!

Each one of them works very hard preparing for their special event, and

their success is certainly something to celebrate.

In fact, their success is not found in the final score of the game.

Their success is found in their participation in the game.

Competition begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, and continues to

closing ceremonies at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17. Softball competition

will feature standard Special Olympics and Unified Teams competing in

regulation ASA softball, T-ball and individual skills contests. You will

find the softball events at the Fountain Valley Recreation Center.

Team bowling will feature four-person teams consisting of both standard

Special Olympics and Unified Sports teams, and will take place at

Fountain Bowl.

Another wonderful event taking place during Special Olympics weekend is A

Special Gathering of Friends, a dance for adults with disabilities, at

the Fountain Valley Community Center.

A disc jockey will provide music for this event, which runs from 7 to 9

p.m. and is open to the public. Door prizes will be awarded, and there is

no admission charge.

This Special Gathering of Friends is sponsored by the Fountain Valley

Advisory Committee for the Disabled. Approximately 300 people are

expected to participate.

Those of us who live in Fountain Valley often talk of being “Fountain

Valley Proud,” or say that Fountain Valley is “A Nice Place to Live.”

Both of these phrases are true.

We are proud of the work being done by our Advisory Committee for the

Disabled, our Community Services Department staff, and by the many groups

in our community who are actively involved with efforts to increase the

quality of life for people with disabilities. Accomplishing our daily

activities is more difficult and time consuming for some of us than

others.

If you or someone you love are interested in learning more about the

important work of this committee or are looking for information, please

call Fountain Valley City Hall at 593-4412.

Do yourself a favor. Take time to attend the Special Olympics or the

Gathering of Friends, and you will be amazed at how good it feels to

cheer for these special individuals.

* John Collins is mayor of Fountain Valley.