‘Celebrate Spirit’ Theme for Games

“Celebrate Our Spirit” will be the theme of the California Special Olympics 1986 Summer Games being held today through Sunday at UCLA.

The event is the culmination of a year-round program of training and competition for mentally retarded athletes. There will be 2,500 athletes competing in eight official events: track and field, gymnastics, aquatics, basketball, softball, bowling, soccer and volleyball. There will also be a tennis demonstration tournament, sports clinics, social activities and an exhibition of art created by Special Olympians.

Opening ceremonies with a parade of athletes and fireworks will begin at 6 p.m. today, with competition set to start at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday and closing ceremonies at 3:30 p.m. Sunday.