'I JUST LOVE RIDING'.

Byline: Amy Raisin Darvish Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - Racers sped around the track Saturday at Saugus Speedway, but there were no loud engines or refueling stops - the only thing powering their bicycles was the determination of the Special Olympics athletes.

Valencia resident Michael Wadsworth, 18, said cycling is in his blood - his uncle is a professional cyclist. Wadsworth has competed in other Special Olympics events, such as floor hockey and swimming, but cycling is by far his favorite.

``I just love riding,'' Wadsworth said after his race. ``When I had three laps left, my legs were burning. But I just kept gunning it. The only thing that keeps me going is I don't want to give up.''

Thirty athletes competed Saturday in the second annual Santa Clarita Valley Special Olympics cycling competition, featuring riders from age 11 to 57. While many of the athletes live in the Santa Clarita Valley, others come from as far as San Diego and Santa Barbara to compete.

Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver as a nonprofit organization in 1968, the Special Olympics began as a day camp for mentally disabled children and adults, promoting the therapeutic effects of physical fitness and sports.

The Special Olympics are held in every state and more than 150 countries. Athletes include those with mental retardation, cognitive delays or other significant learning or vocational disorders.

Wadsworth, who attends Golden Oak Adult School in Newhall, said the Special Olympics offer competitors a chance to show the world that they are capable of achieving the same feats as the rest of society.

``It gives them a chance to see they have the exact same endurance as normal people for the Olympics,'' Wadsworth said. ``You shouldn't think about other people putting you down. You can do the same things as the other people.''

Becky Anderson, 20, who competed in her second Special Olympics event Saturday, admitted that fatigue started to affect her about halfway around the track.

``I (was) like, I don't even know if I can do it,'' said the Saugus resident, who was born with cerebral palsy. ``I started to get pretty tired about halfway, but I finished.''

Becky's father, Brian Anderson, who was there to cheer on his daughter, said he noticed a change in her after she began competing in the Special Olympics.

``Last year was her first; she competed in swimming,'' he said. ``I noticed a pride in her. She's always had a stubborn streak and was a fighter. (These athletes) need to have something they can be proud of, and the Special Olympics gives them that.''

Amy Raisin Darvish, [phone]

amy.raisin(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1) Becky Anderson, 20, of the Santa Clarita Sharks Special Olympics team, gets some help from her mother, Valerie, just before a race.

(2) His helmet tilted jauntily askew, John Demets, 66, waits for his turn to take to the track.

Joel P. Lugavere/Special to the Daily News