Document text
$500,000 deficit hits Special Olympics By JOHN DARLING MEDFORD - The downturn in Oregon's economy and the shift in charitable giving to survivors of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks are causing drastic cutbacks in Special Olympics here. Oregon Special Olympics reports a $500,000 deficit so far for fiscal 2001-02, staff layoffs of 20 percent, and downsizing of sporting events for 4,000 participants statewide. Most of the shortfall has come in the fourth quarter, since Sept. 11. In the seven-county Southern Oregon region, Special Olympics staff have managed to avoid layoffs by taking a 10 percent pay cut, said director Alice Hammermeister of Medford. However, they won't be able to attend the annual bowling championship in Portland next weekend and its awards banquet and dance. The games will be held in Medford at Lava Lanes for those living south of Eugene. Instead of using motels, participants will sleep on the YMCA floor or return the same evening, after a hard day of exertion. Many will not be able to attend because of fatigue from rough sleeping conditions or seizures brought on by the same-day round trip, she said. "For the athletes, it's devastating," she said. "They've worked and trained for it for a long time and it would be like working to go to the big Olympics in Tokyo, then suddenly not getting that payoff." Special Olympics gives people with mental retardation the opportunity to develop good health, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in community through games such as basketball, swimming, volleyball, soccer, Nordic skiing, bowling and track and field, according to Lori Luckart Tompkins of Special Olympics in Portland. The organization's annual "March for the Gold" began about the time of the terrorist attacks and netted only $30,000 statewide against a goal of $100,000. In Southern Oregon, walkers raised $7,500 on a goal of $60,000, Hammermeister said. "We feel absolutely horrible. We did everything we possibly could," said Hammermeister. "There's no doubt in my mind it's because of the events of September 11th. We don't begrudge a dollar that went to survivors in New York, but that doesn't mean we're not devastated. I hope people will realize the effect it's having on our local community and will start to give here more." Special Olympics gets no federal or United Way money and has been successful in its own development efforts in the past, she said. Southern Oregon Special Olympics shares a common budget with the statewide organization, but all funds they raise here remain here, she added. A large portion of funds goes to travel, meals and lodging for out-of-area events. Southern Oregon Special Olympics is considering canceling its March alpine skiing events in Bend for lack of money, said Hammermeister. Unlike bowling, an alternative alpine site in Southern Oregon would be problematic, she said. "The Walk for the Gold was our premier fund-raising event," she said. "We're scrambling through the end of the year to raise money so our winter games won't be affected. We're grateful for every dollar now." Donations can be sent to Special Olympics, 33 N. Central No. 320, Medford, OR 97501. John Darling is a free-lance writer living in Ashland. E-mail him at [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.