George Dyer, 38, has been participating in the Special Olympics since he was 8.
Then, he ran only track but still had fun meeting other athletes from across the state.
Saturday, because of his sportsmanship and dedication, Dyer was given the opportunity only a few in the nation get – lighting an Olympic torch.
With the help of his golf partner, Kelly Hellman, Dyer officially began the 15th annual Colorado Summer Special Olympics games with the torch-lighting at Colorado Academy.
“I always have fun at these games,” he said, standing next to Hellman, 44. “I like all the sports, and I especially like meeting new people.”
Around 700 intellectually disabled athletes from seven regions across the state are participating, said Claire Simmons, the Colorado Special Olympics vice president of programming.
Sports include golf, softball, tennis, cycling and bocce. Under threatening clouds and unusually chilly weather, athletes, families and volunteers applauded as Colorado Rockies shortstop Clint Barmes introduced the teams.
Teams trained all summer for the event, which continues through today. Pete Thompson, 49, brought his three sons from Colorado Springs to compete in softball and golf. It was his family’s fifth time participating.
“The games teach them team fundamentals and makes them feel like they’re a part of something,” Thompson said, while he played with his speech-impaired son. “They always have so much fun at these events. It’s become a family activity for us.”
Special Olympics spokeswoman Terri Takata-Smith said that the events allowed special-needs children to work on teamwork skills. “This proves to them that they’re athletes too,” Takata-Smith said.
Staff writer Daarel Burnette II can be reached at 303-820-1201 or dburnette@denverpost.com.
