It Was Effort That Counted

“A Time to Try” was the theme of the 17th annual special track meet at Melbourne School for the Trainable Mentally Handicapped in Lakewood. It attracted about 450 youths from 21 schools in Los Angeles and Orange counties. They were encouraged to compete in all seven events, regardless of the severity of their disability, said Mary Crowley, meet coordinator for the sponsoring ABC Unified School District. The goal was not just to win ribbons, because all participants received an award. Rather, the emphasis was for each athlete to perform to the best of his ability and overcome any obstacle to finish the race. Events included running dashes, an obstacle course, Frisbee throw, batting, jumping, kicking and shooting a basketball.