Holly-It’s a cold, cloudy May morning and rain appears to be on the way, but the smiles of two Ortonville residents are bright as they practice for Olympic events.
Laurie Borka, 43, and Bill Bossolono, 44, walk on a track at the Karl Richter Campus, the former Holly High School. They are preparing for the 100-meter walk, an event they will take part in during the Special Olympics. The annual state summer competition for developmentally disabled individuals is June 2-4 at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant.
Borka has participated in the Special Olympics for almost 30 years. Some of her past summer events include swimming (relay, 25 meter, 50 meter), gymnastics, and running. This year, besides the 100-meter walk, Borka will also be in the standing long jump and softball throw.
‘I like sports,? she says. ‘It’s something to do? it keeps me active.?
Bossolono says he loves sports, too. This is his fourth year participating in the Michigan Special Olympics after a 15-year break. Bossolono formerly was involved in the competition in Chicago.
‘I like being in it,? he says. ‘I like being out here with everybody.?
‘Everybody? means six coaches and 14 members of the Holly Broncos, the local team that practices together for the Special Olympics.
Brett Welling is one of the coaches and Bossolono’s brother-in-law.
‘Once you get involved, you can’t leave,? says Welling. ‘It’s a pretty neat experience. The difference between this and everyday competition is they do it because they love it. They’re happy no matter the color of the medal.?
More than 3,000 athletes will be present at the state competition. Gold, silver and bronze medals are given in every heat for all events. To get to the state competition, athletes were required to compete at the county level two weeks ago. During that competition, Borka received a first place ribbon for the standing long jump, as well as second place ribbons for softball throw and 100-meter walk. Bossolono received a third place ribbon for the shotput, fourth for the 100-meter walk and fifth for the standing long jump.
Welling notes that the team members are all in individual events, but they cheer each other on and are very supportive. The Special Olympics gives the athletes not only a venue in which to compete, but a chance to socialize.
‘There’s no discrimination here,? Welling says. ‘Their race and gender doesn’t matter. Their friendships are an example of the way the world should be.?
Borka smiles as she readies another softball throw and asks, ‘Do you think I’m doing good? Do you think I’ve got a good chance??
Yes is the answer to both.