No such thing as ‘can’t’

About a month ago, Eric Cervantes jogged through Orange County in a Special Olympics Torch run that would deliver the flame to the Southern California games opening ceremony at Cal State Long Beach.

It was nothing new for the 22-year-old Huntington Beach resident. Cervantes has had plenty of practice when it comes to sprinting while holding a flaming contraption: he’s been a torch runner for local Special Olympic events for the past eight years.

But he said nothing could prepare him for the “awesome” news of hearing he was one of 11 people from around the world selected to take part in the Special Olympics World Games in Shanghai as a torch runner.

“He was speechless when he heard the news, which is saying something for him,” said Margaret Owens, Eric’s grandmother.

Cervantes said anxiety won’t consume him the day his sneakers launch across the asphalt.

“I’m really excited to see the crowds of people on the sidewalk, cheering me on,” Cervantes said. “Everyone always wants you to do well.”

Cervantes, who suffers from ADHD and a mild form of autism, was introduced to the Special Olympics after being placed in adaptive P.E. in middle school.

“I love being a part of the Special Olympics because it brings athletes with intellectual disabilities together,” Cervantes said. “We’re all winners. Most of us can’t play on regular teams. It allows us to shine.”

More than 7,000 athletes from more than 150 nations are expected to compete in 19 Olympic-type sports during the World Games, scheduled to begin October 2, said Lee Todd, chief of World Games and Competition.

“They all do great,” Owens said. “For them, there is no such thing as ‘I can’t do it.’”

Special Olympics athletes not competing in the games will have “crucial leadership roles” as officials, assistant coaches, reporters and spokespeople.

“I might not be competing in any games, but I’m still contributing,” Cervantes said.

The torch for the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer games was lighted in Athens in late June, officially launching the Global Law Enforcement Torch Run. The flame is expected to have traveled 22,000 miles over five continents, Todd said. Cervantes will take part in the final leg of the run from Beijing to Shanghai for the opening ceremonies.

“He’ll do great,” said Law Enforcement Torch Run Director Richard Fernandez, who nominated Cervantes as a torch runner for the World Games. “He’s unstoppable and a very good athlete.”

Although Cervantes will remain off the field during the various competitions, he has competed in local Special Olympics events and enjoys basketball, baseball, tennis, floor hockey and volleyball.

“It’s wonderful to see him come to be a very good athlete,” Owens said. Whatever he goes for, he accomplishes.”

Cervantes makes his journey overseas in late September and he said he isn’t afraid of the long trek ahead of him.

“I’m not scared of much,” he said.