Published on: Wednesday, May 13, 2009

By Nancy Royden

Even a heavy downpour of rain couldn’t stop athlete Jennifer Martinez of High Point High School from competing in the Prince George’s County Special Olympics May 7 at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex in Landover.

Martinez laughed and smiled prior to a running race, encouraging its start, even in very heavy rain near the end of the competition. She was only one of hundreds of athletes who took part in the 2009 Bob Janus Spring Games, which was also sponsored by the Prince George’s County Public Schools.

Janus, an educator, coach and mentor, traveled to Soldiers Field in Chicago during the summer of 1968 for the first Special Olympics Summer Games. After this experience, the Special Olympics were brought to Prince George’s County, according to information given to participants and spectators. He is now area director for the Prince George’s County affiliate of Special Olympics.

He was lauded during the opening parade and games for his work as a pioneer.

“Bob Janus inspires greatness to all athletes and volunteers and leaves each with a most precious gift; faith in the unlimited possibilities of the human spirit. Please join Prince George’s County Public Schools and Special Olympics in thanking Bob for his service to the student athletes of Prince George’s County,” reads the tribute to Janus.

Janus has not done his work in vain, and mom Diana McCahan and her son Michael McCahan, 13, are the direct beneficiaries of the goodwill of Janus, others who work for the organization and many volunteers.

Michael competed in the games and won two gold medals in the tennis ball throw and walker race events. This was the sixth year he has competed and he has won 12 medals altogether.

He said he loves to compete because it was fun. He also said he enjoyed being in the parade before the games were started.

Not only are the games fun for participants, they are challenging. Some cried as they lost an event, while others smiled and were filled with joy after winning.

Michael’s mother said one of the best things about the competition is the fact the students go outside to be together, rather than stay inside the confines of buildings.

“These kids get out and come together. It’s a good time to meet with old friends and it gives them great memories,” she said.

David Chittams, a student at Bowie High School, was also one of the competitors. He has won many awards in golf, soccer, basketball, bocce and other sports throughout the years. He will represent the county and state at the Special Olympics National Golf competition in Nebraska this fall.

William R. Hite Jr., interim superintendent of Prince George’s County Schools, told the athletes he is proud of them for their work and competitive spirit.

Lynn McCawley, spokeswoman for PGCPS, said the athletes trained for eight weeks to prepare for the competition. They were coached by the district’s Special Education Motor Development Program staff at their schools and at Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission sites.

Events for athletes included 50/100/200 meter dash races, softball throw, tennis ball throw, ortho softball throw, standing long jump, ortho tennis ball throw, assisted walking races, horizontal tennis ball, running long jump, shotput/turbo javelin, wheelchair races, and high jump.

To raise money to fund Special Olympics, there will be an Inspiration Walk Saturday at 10 a.m. in Watkins Regional Park on Watkins Park Drive in Upper Marlboro. Registration will open at 9 a.m. and participants may choose from a 5K, or 3.1 mile, walk or a one-mile fun walk. Drinks and snacks will be provided for participants and there are different pledge levels with prizes.

According to coordinators, the money raised from the event will help fund year-round training and competition for 1,400 athletes. A fund-raising goal has been set at $25,000. All participants will receive a T-shirt and are eligible to win prizes.

For information about the walk, call 301-808-4087 or send e-mail to patricia.miles@pgcps.org. She can provide walkers with registration forms.