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Kosciusko County Special Olympics History

Excerpts from a journal kept by Maxine Birchum

In 1973, after 3 years of research it was decided to start a Special Olympic program for Kosciusko County. Dr. Howard Wilson of Cardinal Center and Maxine Birchum were pivotal in getting things started.

On April 28, 1973, the first event to be held was a local track and field event at Warsaw High School track. It was so cold and blustery most of us were too bundled up to move. But try! They all did their best in spite of the weather. Results of the tryouts weren't known that day and no one realized the importance of the events, so no cameras were on hand.

Our team traveled to South Bend to compete in the Regional Meet on May 12, 1973. We were entered in the following events:

50 yard dash Standing long jump
100 yard dash 25 yard free style - Swimming
100 yard dash 50 yard free style - Swimming

There were many blue, red, yellow and green ribbons handed out that day. Records were not kept of how many because we still didn't realize how important this event was becoming.

After the Regional Meet we realized what we were up against, so for the next five weeks, practice was held twice a week. Everyone worked hard to build physical fitness and practice their particular event. Preparations were underway to go to the State Meet in Terre Haute scheduled for June 21, 1973. It took a lot of planning to take 24 students on a jaunt like this for 3 days with only 5 supervisors.

After first arriving in Terre Haute, the most impressive event was the opening ceremonies. All of the athletes marched around the track. The National Anthem was sung and invocation was given. Then came the lighting of the flame, speeches and the Special Olympics oath.

We had seven athletes on the swim team. There were 4 gold medals, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals won by the Cardinal Center athletes.

Events for us on the track were:
Standing long jump 50 yard dash
Softball Throw 300 yard dash

Athletes listed in the records are:
Artie Clark Kathy Heck Mark Warren
Kim Kuhn Martha Heckman Billy Graham
Roy Eckert Janice Lawson Mike Kaim
Tim Hunt Mary McMillan Bobby Conwell
James Grubb Jody Conwell Danny Smith
Randy Jones Denise Elson Jim Nuell
Kay Teel Judy Tustison Larry Bettinger
Debbie Anglin April Kriss Keith Welty
Coaches listed are: Coach Kline, Coach Teel, Coach Birchum, Coach Eryman and Coach Conwell.

Nine Gold Medals, 11 Silver Medals and 11 bronze medals were won by the Cardinal Center athletes.

This was the beginning of something great. Special Olympics of Kosciusko County has been going strong ever since and many trips to Area, Regional and State meets have been held. Other sports that have been listed are, bowling, roller skating, and golf.