Countywide : Special Olympics Scheduled Saturday

The 1990 Ventura County Special olympics annual track and field competition will take place Saturday in Ventura.

More than 400 athletes who are developmentally disabled will compete in wheelchair races, the shot put, a one-mile run and other events at the competition, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Ventura High School’s Larabee Stadium, organizers said.

“We provide something for everyone, no matter what their handicap is,” said Carol Newsham, area director for Ventura County Special Olympics, which is co-sponsoring the competition with the city of Ventura’s Department of Parks and Recreation.

The competition provides athletic training and an opportunity to improve community awareness of the abilities of these competitors, Newsham said. Ribbons are provided for each athlete, no matter who wins, she said.

A benefit auction is set Friday, featuring a performance by musician Kenny Rankin. An Arabian horse, round-trip air fare to London and “Joker” sneakers autographed by Jack Nicholson are some of the unusual gifts that will be featured at the auction, from 5 to 11 p.m. at the Ventura Theatre.