NEWBERG – The opening ceremonies at this year’s Special Olympics Summer Games were a special time for the Grant County team.

A life-flight helicopter flew down onto the Newberg High School field, the crew handing the torch to Mt. Vernon athlete Charley Fronapel.

Fronapel and a police officer ran with it around half the track, lighting the flame before 2,000 spectators.

“I had to back up quick – it lit up really fast,” he said. “I thought it was pretty cool.”

“It was definitely an honor,” said assistant coach Lyssa McKrola.

Local program coordinator Kim Joslin, who co-coached the team with Kathy Durkee, agreed that it was a privilege for Fronapel.

Joslin added that a gold for John Bryant in the 400-meter run was another highlight.

The athlete had struggled to complete the race throughout the season.

“That’s why it’s so exciting that he finished without stopping,” she said.

Law enforcement officers, who’ve supported Special Olympics from the start, handed out awards at the July 16-17 event.

Athletes and volunteers alike were thrilled to see the return of the Summer Games after a two-year break, due to the poor economy, said Joslin. Sponsors, such as Les Schwab Tires, have provided a grant to keep the event going for the next four years.

She added that the local team nearly doubled in size this year, compared to last track season. Along with that increase came a bigger sign-up from community volunteers.

“We would not be able to run our program without the support of all of our volunteers,” she said.

“It’s incredible to see how excited everyone in Special Olympics gets,” McKrola added.

It’s not about being number one, it’s about participating and being a part of something healthy, social and fun – and the joy.”

To learn more about the local Special Olympics program, call Joslin at 541-620-1633.

Special Olympics Summer Games 2011

Results for athletes in their various divisions:

John Bryant, 200, 3; 400, 1; 4×100, 5.

Nicole Cagle, 400 race walk, 6; 800 race walk, 1.

Jay Colson, shot put, 4; standing long jump, 2; 4×100, 5.

Michael Scott Corp, 100, 3; softball throw, 3.

Pamela Ellis, 50-meter walk, 4; softball throw, 8.

Travis Estes, 50-meter walk, 3; softball throw, 7.

Charley Fronapel, 100, 3; 400, 6; 4×100, 5.

Courtney Holbrook, 50-meter assisted walk, 1; softball throw, 8.

Benjamin Joslin, 100, 3; softball throw, 2.

Katie Latham, 100, 8; shotput, 1; 4×100, 5.

Brian McKrola, 100, 5; shotput 7; 4×100, 5.

Elizabeth Swarthout, 50-meter walk, 2.

Hope Durkee, 50-meter dash, 5; softball throw, 7.