REGION : Special Olympics at South Gate High

About 1,500 athletes were expected today at South Gate High School for the region’s second annual Special Olympics, one of the largest such events in the state, according to organizers.

“This event is important to our communities because people will better understand the needs and opportunities individuals with mental retardation have,” said Trudi Stewart, director of the Special Olympics’ South-Central program, located at the Ujima Family Learning Center, 926 E. 126th St.

The South-Central program, which serves other local areas, including Inglewood, Compton and parts of south Los Angeles, is organizing the event, among the largest Special Olympics competitions in California.

The number of people that are involved in the program shows “that there has been a population that previously wasn’t being served,” said Nancy Ward, director of development for the California Special Olympics.

“At this point we have just scratched the surface,” she said. “The program has done a tremendous job in getting the ball rolling in that area.”

Basketballs, softballs, soccer balls and tennis balls will be bounced, slammed, kicked and rolled before about 2,000 spectators in the two-day event, which began Saturday and culminates at 4 p.m at the high school, 3351 Firestone Blvd.

Athletes from outside the region have come from as far as Tijuana, Mexico, to compete with the local teams. The highlight of today’s activities is the track-and-field competition.

Winners of this weekend’s games qualify for the state’s Special Olympics held June 23 at UCLA.

“This is something where we showcase our athletes and to prepare them for the state competition,” said South-Central program coordinator Willie Wilson, who trained 32 coaches how to deal with athletes with mental retardation. “If they don’t compete in this one, they don’t get to go.”

An Olympic Village on the school’s tennis courts will include music, food, boutiques and sports clinics, organizers said.

In September, 1993, Special Olympics South-Central Los Angeles received a three-year start-up grant of $300,000 from Special Olympics International. The California Special Olympics and Weingart Foundation have also been important contributors to the local program.

The California Special Olympics was established in 1969 when Olympic medalist Rafer Johnson hosted the first state Summer Games.

Information: (213) 357-6711.