Special Olympics debuts equestrian event

On Saturday, September 14, 2002 Monroe County Special Olympians will compete in their first equestrian event at the Heritage Christian Home Stables on Salt Road in Webster. Opening ceremonies are slated for 8:45 a.m. with competition beginning at 9:15 a.m. Closing ceremonies and awards will take place at 2:30 p.m. Twenty athletes will be demonstrating the horsemanship skills they have been learning the last year. Riders are divided into 5 classes with all of the athletes coming from Heritage Christian Home. This first competition has been ongoing with preparation, instruction and gathering certification requirements for more than two years, according to Kelly Nash, event coordinator and coach. Over 100 riders have taken lessons with the assistance of 150 volunteers.

Volunteers for the competition are from Eastman Kodak Company, Heritage Christian Home Stables and the Nazareth Equestrian Team. Instructors of the group are Janet Zimmer and Nicki Whilden.

The program is funded in part by Special Olympics Monroe County through a state legislative grant from Senator James Alesi. Support Sponsors include: Stuart Horse Trials, Nazareth College Equestrian Team, Huntington Meadows, Sandy Zimmer and Patrick Lane, the Trophy Shack and Empire Saddlery.

Special Olympics provides year-round training and competition in 16 local sports for children and adults with mental retardation. Approximately 1,800 athletes compete in Monroe County. Volunteers are always needed. To volunteer call Kelly Nash at Heritage Christian at 340-5780 or Marian Turner at Special Olympics at 586-7400.