Reporter Volume 25, No.6 October 7, 1993

Professional athletes train year-round with an eye toward winning.
	Another group of athletes, who know  they're  winners, no
matter what the final score, are thousands of youngsters, teens and
adults with varying degrees of developmental disabilities who
participate in Special Olympics programs in 36 countries.
	Through the Special Olympics, these dedicated athletes can
choose from more than 20 events in which to participate--everything
from aquatics to volleyball.
	The David Triggles are one UB family  active in Special
Olympics since it was organized in Erie County.
	Daughter Jocelyn, 25, a high school graduate and  part-time
dietary aide, drives to work at Brompton Heights Adult Care Facility
and  the Niagara Falls Aquarium where she volunteers once a week,
frequently giving the audience the electric  eel demonstration.
	She was enrolled at age seven  in the Cheektowaga Swim Club
program and after the Special Olympics was organized locally, she
participated in events including softball, track and field, bowling,
baseball, floor hockey and swimming.
	Her brother Andrew, a UB graduate and rehabilitation counselor
with Niagara Frontier Vocational and Rehabilitation Services for the
Handicapped, has been a volunteer with Special Olympics. Today he
gives his time as a track and  field coach. 
	Their dad, David, dean of UB's School of Pharmacy, has used
his talent as a photographer to visually record competitions; his wife
Ann, has served as a volunteer and supporter of the organization. She
has another "UB" connection as the tireless individual responsible for
the fascinating UB Pharmacy Museum and Apothecary in Cooke Hall, which
"takes" visitors back to the turn of the century pre-modern times
drugstore.
	Funded entirely through donations by individuals and
businesses who "care enough to share," the Special Olympics give
athletes an opportunity to build their self-confidence and
self-esteem. The competitors also improve general health, balance,
muscle flexibility, strength, endurance and motor skills.
	These special athletes take an oath which says, "Let me win,
but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
	By participating in the Erie County/Area 23 programs and
traveling to statewide and other competitions, they meet new people,
develop social skills and learn leisure activities which benefit them
throughout their lives.
	Not only do the athletes compete in their own events but a
dozen of them  brought the World University Games torch into LaSalle
Park on its 32-day run!
	Feb. 25-27 will be another big event when the Erie County
Special Olympics hosts the statewide Winter Games, which includes
Nordic and Alpine skiing, ice-skating, snowshoeing, poly-and floor
hockey.
	Local officials welcome your donations on the SEFA-designated
donor form but also your time as volunteer "huggers" at  finish lines
and other duties at this event! Call 835-1861 to sign up. -Mary Beth
Spina