Bursts of cheering and clapping filled the Penn State Multi-Sport Complex yesterday as athletes from across Centre County competed in a variety of indoor track and field events.

Whether they ran, walked briskly or competed with the help of a wheelchair or walker, participants earned the applause and support of the crowd that gathered to support the Centre County Special Olympics 31st annual countywide Geri Ryan track meet.

The meet honored Ryan, a past co-manager who recently died of cancer.

Seventy athletes competed in events that included the softball toss, standing long jump, running long jump, and the 50-, 100-, 200- and 400-meter dash, as well as the 50-meter wheelchair race and 100- and 400-meter walk, said Dave Eggler, Centre County Special Olympics track and field coach.

Special Olympian Jeff Kersavage, who competed in the 100- and 200-meter dash and the softball throw, won three gold medals before lunch.

"I have a good coach," Kersavage said, referring to Eggler. "I've been in Special Olympics for a long time and I want to thank the volunteers. I want to thank Penn State. It's been a wonderful Centre County Special Olympics."

The athletes, children and adults who have some sort of mental or developmental disability, must be at least 8-years-old to compete. Eggler added that Kersavage, at 40, might have been the oldest athlete involved yesterday.

However, about 90 percent of the participants traveled from schools within the State College, Bellefonte and Penns Valley areas, Eggler said.

"It's a real source of joy for them, an achievement," he said.

Melissa Rupeka, a teacher's aide for students with special needs at Park Forest Middle School, brought two students to compete at the meet.

"They were both in the softball throw, the long jump and the 100-meter dash," Rupeka said. "I stuck real close to my guy Jesse."

Prior to the track meet, Rupeka said she practiced outside with Jesse at school by working on his throws and jumps. "Jesse's been really excited," Rupeka said.

Like Jesse, all of the participants practiced before competing in the meet.

"The idea is that it's not strictly a one time competition. There's a period of training," Eggler said.

Centre County Special Olympics Program Manager Cathy Prosek said the athletes are grouped according to their ages, sex and preliminary times.

"Everyone comes away with either a medal or a ribbon, and there's never a cost.

We pay for their uniforms, transportation and food, so no one's ever left out," Prosek said.

Volunteer groups like the local Kiwanis Club and the honors physical education class from State College High School did much of the meet's timekeeping, officiating and medal presentation.

Prosek said she appreciates the athletes' willingness to compete, their cooperation and their patience.

"For a lot of them, this is an opportunity. Otherwise, they sit on the sidelines.

This is special," Prosek said.