Special Athletes Ready for Spotlight

Janelle Spindt and Joseph Vartanian sat tall in the saddle as they trotted their horses around a practice ring at the Tri-Valley Special Olympics Equestrian Center.

The equestrians with mild mental disabilities were getting in some last-minute practice before leaving today for the 1999 Special Olympics World Games in North Carolina.

The young equestrians will be among 70 Special Olympians from Southern California who will represent the United States in 14 events at the games that begin Saturday and end July 4.

About 7,000 athletes from 150 countries will compete before an estimated 450,000 spectators in what organizers say is the largest multi-sport event in the world this year.

Other Special Olympians from this region competing in the World Games are John Tassone, 36, of North Hollywood and Tina Anthony, 31, of Chatsworth in track and field; and Mindy Zazanis, 21, of Reseda and Jeremy Nielsen, 11, of Lancaster in gymnastics.

Earlier this week, under the watchful eye of volunteer coaches Bo Kane and Barney McGeary, Janelle, 16, of Newhall and Vartanian, 22, of Glendale worked on the horse-handling skills they hope will impress the judges of the western equitation, western trail and pole-bending events.

Janelle and Vartanian earned spots on Team USA and a trip to the World Games after qualifying at the 1998 state finals equestrian competition in Ventura.

They began training together earlier this year. “It’s a lot of work, but I can do it,” Vartanian said, taking a break from practice. “I have to [remember to] sit up straight all the time.”

Although Vartanian also plays basketball, bowls and runs track in Special Olympics programs, he said horseback riding is favorite sport.

“I like riding her; she’s fun,” he said, patting the mare’s neck. “I tell her she’s good.”

Henrik and Gloria Vartanian learned from UCLA physicians their son was developmentally disabled. The physicians attributed the condition to a chromosomal disorder.

The disability has not kept Vartanian from living a full life. He graduated from a Glendale High School special-education program and works full time at Goodwill Industries in Glendale.

When not working, Vartanian collects Power Ranger action figures, watches “I Love Lucy” and hangs out with his older sisters Janet, 30, and Kathy, 28.

“When you realize all that is going on in his brain, and all that he has to absorb, it is quite a feat,” his mother said. “We are so proud of him.”

Through Special Olympics competitions, Janelle has won numerous medals in equestrian, swimming, soccer, basketball, floor hockey and softball competitions.

“She’s really excited about going to the games, staying in the dorms and meeting athletes from other countries,” said Maureen Spindt, watching her daughter’s workout.

Spindt said Janelle is especially looking forward to meeting athletes from her native Korea and exchanging team pins and T-shirts.

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Born Pyung Sook Juang in South Korea, Janelle was adopted by Maureen and Gary Spindt in August 1987.

“When Janelle arrived, she was malnourished, covered with a rash, had two ear infections and a fever,” Maureen Spindt said. “Four days after her arrival, she had what was to be the first of many grand mal seizures.”

After years of seizures, consultations with neurologists, hospital stays and anticonvulsant medications, doctors found medications to control Janelle’s spasms.

“It was then that we noticed Janelle was delayed in many areas, such as speech and language and cognitive ability,” her mother said.

A physical-education teacher and coach at Valencia High School, Gary Spindt encouraged Janelle to become involved in sports and signed her up for a local softball team.

“Janelle did OK on the team, but it wasn’t the ideal situation,” Maureen Spindt said. “The other girls quickly picked up that Janelle was different.”

The Spindts later learned about Special Olympics sports programs in Encino, Chatsworth and Santa Monica and enrolled their daughter.

Janelle joined the Santa Clarita Special Olympics program when it began two years ago.

“I am so proud of her,” her mother said. “I am scared to death of horses, and she can do all these things that I can’t do.”

Janelle’s disability has not kept her from typical teenage activities, such as spending time with her friends and trying to keep up with her adoptive brothers, Eric, 23, and Kevin, 19.

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Earlier this month Janelle went to her prom at Saugus High School with Jason Carreon, a senior and another Special Olympics athlete.

“It was fun. I did every dance,” she said. “He had on a tuxedo. I had on a pink dress and silver sparkly shoes and my hair in curls.”

But in the coming days, Janelle will have her eyes on the prize.

“It’s fun riding the horse,” she said. “I like to win gold medals.”