SPECIAL OLYMPICS AIDS FRIENDSHIP, COMPETITION

Bernard Hutchins had misgivings about running the 50-meter dash against Richie Heenan during the Area IX Missouri Special Olympics Saturday.

"I knew I would win," Hutchins said, mindful that Heenan has been his best friend since the Hutchins family moved from Salem, Ark., to Fredericktown last year.

"Bernard always wins that race," Heenan said, eliminating any fear that their friendship suffered from Hutchins' victory by displaying a smile that somehow made an overcast sky appear less dreary.

"I've still got two more chances to beat Bernard," Heenan said, pointing to the two remaining events listed on the sheet taped to his entry number: softball and standing long jump.

As his second-place red ribbon fluttered in the wind, Heenan searched for the right words to express what competing in the Special Olympics does for his heart, mind and soul.

"I would recommend the Special Olympics for anyone who is like us," Heenan, 17, of Fredericktown, said.

To Heenan, Hutchins and many others at the Special Olympics, the significance of the ribbons pales in comparison to the experience of striving to know a new potential.

Mark Miller, 17, who is also from Fredericktown, stumbled and fell at the midway point in the 50-meter dash. He bounced back up and with a look of fierce determination finished the race.

He embodied the credo of Special Olympics: "Let me win, but if I cannot, let me be brave in the attempt."

Penny Blandford, director of the Area 9 Missouri Special Olympics at the Abe Stuber Track and Field Complex, said the participants know victory even if they finish in last place.

"Everyone wins when they come here," she said. "If they want to move on to the state competition at Fort Leonard Wood, they can."

Heather Bockman of Perryville flashed a knowing grin when someone asked her if she had ever been to the state Special Olympics. "That's where I get medals instead of ribbons," Bock said. Asked which event was her favorite, Bock quickly replied, "The ones I win."

Brothers Jim and John Holden each claimed victory in separate heats of the 50-meter dash. "I won, I won," shouted Jim Holden with a look of euphoria. An observer noted that Holden actually finished second.

But no one could see a second-place look on Jim's face.

"The first time takes courage," Heenan said. "Then it's just a bunch of fun. From the beginning to the end, it's one of the best days of the year."