reminder of the pride and joy he feels every year when he competes in the Special Olympics.

"Every night when I walk in my bedroom I look at them and feel happy,'' Mr.

Kelly said.

Although it took Mr. Kelly, who has a mental disability, longer then most people to learn to walk fast, run and jump, his weekly training sessions with Special Olympics Association volunteer coaches -- and walking around his parent's house daily -- certainly paid off.

"I win every year,'' he says, admiring the gold medal dangling around his neck for winning the 100 metre walking race at yesterday's 11th Annual Special Olympics at Warwick Secondary.

Mr. Kelly was one of 45 athletes aged 13 to over 40 who competed in the games, which included running and walking races, relays, target throw, softball throw, shot putt, long jump, wheelchair events and a 10 metre assisted walk.

"People often have a misconception that only children compete in the Special Olympics,'' Association spokesman Mr. Robin Hamill pointed out.

He added: "It's important that people realise this is not the only event the Association puts on -- we have bowling nights and other activities throughout the year.'' The athletes also attend overseas games and compete with special Olympians from other countries, he said.

The games help boost the confidence of the athletes, who all have various mental and/or physical disabilities which they were born with, Association member Mrs. Barbara Thompson said.

"They love the cheering and getting hugs at the end of the races,'' she said.

Their joy at competing in the different events is evident from their laughter and enthusiastic support of fellow athletes -- the loudest applause coming from the athletes' tent.

On hand to present medals to the winners were Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, Lady Swan and US Naval Air Station commanding officer Capt. James Arnold.

Mrs. Thompson estimated there are roughly 150 mentally and/or physically disabled people in Bermuda.

She said just 40 of them compete in the Olympics because in many other cases their families are ashamed to allow them to.

"They feel there is a stigma attached to being in the Special Olympics,'' she said "But the Special Olympics show those with disabilities what they can do.

They don't have to stay at home or in hospital all the time. They can come out and be involved with people who don't have disabilities.'' The goal of the Olympics, she said, is to help all people with disabilities into society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens.

A record 40 people volunteered their time to help with scoring and organising the athletes at this year's Olympics. Volunteers included members of the international dance and singing group Up With People, who are visiting Bermuda this week, and employees of the MarketPlace supermarket chain which is one of the major sponsors of the event and a leader in hiring disabled people.

And according to Mrs. Thompson the turnout to watch the games gets better every year.

A SPECIAL DAY -- Miss Bernice Godwin and Mr. Craig Dickens, surrounded by other paticipants in this year's Special Olympics, hold the torch to light the Olympic flame which marks the start of the games. Forty-five athletes with mental and r physical disabilities participated this year.