SPECIAL OLYMPIANS HEAD TO STATE

Several years ago, Joe Lasley honed his skills in the long jump and softball throw events and advanced to compete at the state Special Olympics competition.

Although he had fun and worked hard, Lasley didn't qualify for the national competition. While he has competed in local Special Olympics meets faithfully, he never returned to state level competition.

Until now.

Top athletes from throughout the state will gather to compete this weekend at Fort Leonard Wood. Lasley and five other athletes cared for by Habcare Inc., an independent supported living community, will be among them thanks to several local businesses.

"I'm ready," said Lasley. "It's going to be fun. I think I'll win."

Coaches Wendy Pennington and Theresa Garrison, Habcare employees, said they decided to help the athletes get to the state competition because they knew they worked with good athletes who deserved the chance to compete at the state level. In the past, the costs of the trip were too much for the athletes, but this year enough donations were collected to buy uniforms, rent a vehicle and supply food and drinks for six athletes through Saturday when the event ends.

"All the other major companies go, but we just never had a team effort before," said Pennington. "They deserved the chance to go, and the uniforms and banner and everything just makes it better because now they look like a team."

Pennington said she thought it would be difficult to find the support staff and financial backing necessary to make the trip happen. However, nearly every employee and business she contacted was willing and even eager to help the athletes get their chance to compete.

"Everyone was just so willing to give, and you can see how excited they are to be going," she said. "We've been practicing and preparing for events everyday, and they're just ready to go. I think this is going to be really good for them."

TEAM HABCARE SUPPORTERS

Here is a list of the businesses that supported Team Habcare:

Habcare Inc.

Enterprise-Rent-A-Car

Schnucks

Sam's Club

JCPenney's

Horizon Screen Printing

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Center

Food Giant

Piggly Wiggly

Bill Green Equipment

T&T Tanning

Randall Shrull

Gary Dewitt

Tim and Barbie Emerson

Target Store

Jerry Green

Bob Egilsrud

Chrissy Garrett

Glenna Garrison

Reeves Boomland