More than 2,500 show off skills at annual Faley Special Games

Orange County Register, Brian Whitehead – April 21, 2017

FULLERTON By the time they get to high school, most student-athletes are used to crowds celebrating their triumphs.

On Friday, the celebrated became the celebrators.

In its 32nd year, Cal State Fullerton’s annual Goodwill of Orange County Faley Special Games brought together high school letter winners and students with disabilities for a day of friendly competition.

Kids tested their skills in wheelchair races and a bean bag toss, a 50-yard dash and hoops. Each participant received a blue ribbon.

Anaheim, El Modena, Kennedy, Sonora and San Clemente were but a handful of the high schools in attendance. Their sports teams accompanied the athletes around CSUF’s intramural fields and helped run activities.

Launched in 1986 as a class project, the event hopes to foster social development and activity for children with disabilities.

“At its heart, (the Games) is about keeping a promise that was made a long time ago,” said Frank Talarico, Jr., president and CEO of Goodwill of Orange County, which sponsored the event for the first time last year.

“Life is about making and keeping promises, and we’re very honored to be part of keeping that promise.”