Disabled Win Sense of Pride at Games : Special Olympics: About 300 take part in athletic events at Ventura County’s annual competition.

Using only his right foot, Rick Ahlman edged his wheelchair backward for 30 meters until his chair crossed the orange tape at the finish line on Saturday.

His two opponents wheeled their chairs forward with both hands, but Ahlman had to make the trip without using his hands or left foot, which dangled in its sock. Ahlman, who was born with cerebral palsy, has mobility only in one foot.

Ahlman’s journey took 45.4 seconds, earning him second place in the Ventura County Special Olympics slalom race for men over 30.

The 48-year-old Thousand Oaks resident trained for months for his first athletic competition. Despite toppling his wheelchair during last weekend’s practice, he was not discouraged, his mother said.

“It didn’t stop him,” said Patricia Ahlman, 74. “Here he is.”

Although her son cannot speak coherently or write, she said she could tell how much the race meant to him.

“You can see the pleasure they derive from this,” she said. “He’s so remarkable. You can’t help but feel humble around the courage he shows, the perseverance.”

More than 300 determined athletes competed in Ventura High School’s Larabee Stadium, where volunteers crowded the finish line to cheer, hug and congratulate every person who crossed it. Athletes had 158 opportunities to win first-place ribbons in 30 events.

But no matter what the outcome, the physically and mentally handicapped athletes seemed to enjoy just being part of the event.

“They try so hard,” said Janice Pautot of Camarillo, whose 14-year-old daughter competed in the 200-meter run and the softball throw. “They’re all so happy, no matter whether they come in first or last.

“Every night this week, she said, ‘Is it tomorrow? Is it tomorrow?’ ” Pautot said of her daughter. “We had to count the days.”

Athlete Kelly Mathews, 26, of Oxnard closed his eyes and mouthed the words of the national anthem as a woman in front of him belted out the song in the opening ceremony.

Mathews, who waved a wand with silver strands, was given the honor of reciting the Special Olympics oath to the crowd of 400 parents and volunteers: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Modeled on the real Olympics, four athletes passed a flaming torch with the help of volunteer partners during the opening ceremonies. The last pair lit the larger torch.

Many of the Special Olympic competitors imitated the mannerisms of the world-class athletes.

Robert DeBatty, 39, of Camarillo, threw three softballs into the grassy baseball field in the softball throw contest. Pleased with his performance, he clasped his hands over his head. He clapped, patted himself on the back, and gave onlookers the thumbs-up sign.

Kristy Lewis, 11, of Ventura finished the women’s 50-meter dash in 11 seconds flat. She was a clear winner in the race, pumping her arms and pounding the track like a professional.

“I feel good,” said Kristy as she waited for her blue ribbon.

As a voice over the loudspeaker announced Kristy’s name as the first-place winner, she raised her hands in the air and beamed, her braces flashing in the sun. This was Kristy’s second year in the Special Olympics. Last year, she said, she came in last.

Ventura City Councilman Gary Tuttle stood on the track at the finish line, recording the times of all the athletes.

“Everybody has their own favorite cause and this has always been mine,” Tuttle said. “These are people who really appreciate when you do something for them.”

Victoria Norman, executive director of the Assistance League School in Oxnard, whose students are developmentally disabled, said the event makes both the parents and their children feel good about themselves.

“Our kids are beautiful, but they’re typical as well and I think it’s good for the community to see that,” Norman said.

“We love to watch all of them,” Pautot said. “We cheer everyone on. It’s really great.”