BUSHNELL - Mary Ann Gonzalez remembers her first Special Olympic games in 1974, when she competed in track and field as a 9-year-old.

“For me it was all about winning," Gonzalez said. “I had to win at any cost."

She has changed her approach to winning during the past 32 years. Now her concern is that other athletes have the same opportunity to feel the thrill of participating and winning.

According to Gonzalez, Special Olympics changed her life, and she wants it to change the lives of other athletes.

“I went from win, win, win to learning about teamwork, good sportsmanship and leadership," Gonzalez said. “Special Olympics brought out the best in me and made me a better person. It allowed me to gain confidence and a chance to grow as an athlete and person. I want that experience for all our athletes - to be the best they can be."

Last week she served as chairwoman of the first Special Olympics Florida Athlete Congress in Tallahassee. She and 24 delegates representing 14 counties met to debate and vote on six issues concerning Special Olympic athletes.

The congress was a forum to allow delegates with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to determine policy and set direction for Special Olympics.

“The delegates met in December to determine what issues would be considered and voted on during the Congress," Gonzalez said. “It was exciting to be part of this event. It was a great opportunity for other delegates to develop leadership skills."

Gonzalez has grown accustomed to having people underestimate her abilities, so she is quick to give athletes a chance to grow and take on additional responsibilities.

“It took several years to convince the state to allow me to work as county coordinator for Special Olympics," Gonzalez said. “I had to keep proving myself over and over before they would agree I could do the job. I'm the only Special Olympics athlete to also serve as coordinator in the state, even the country."

Gonzalez started life with a number of disadvantages. She was born with physical and learning disabilities. She also had a hearing problem that was not discovered until she was 7 years old. That is when she learned to talk.

At 18 months of age, Gonzalez went to live with Juanita Redondo until a bed could be found at Sunland Center in Gainesville. She never made it to the rehabilitative facility because Redondo saw something special in her and never gave up. She never allowed Gonzalez to give up either.

“I was, and still am, very determined," Gonzalez said. “If someone said, ‘You can't,' I had to prove I could, and luckily there have been people who supported me, such as my mother and Marsha and Steve Perkins, who gave me the opportunity to excel."

Most of Gonzalez's achievements other than personal goals, such as maintaining a job, a home and learning to drive, have centered around improving Special Olympics, first at home, then on the state and national level.

In the past several years, Gonzalez has participated in the Special Olympics North America Leadership Council, Global Special Olympics Congress in Panama City, Panama, and was on the committee to help organize National Special Olympic Competitions.

Involvement with all of these councils, committees and congresses allows Gonzalez to further the cause of the athlete on many levels, but always her first concern is the athletes of Sumter County.

Wildwood High School exceptional student education teacher Veliah Diaz has worked with Gonzalez in Special Olympics since 1992.

“I can't begin to say enough wonderful things about Mary Ann," Diaz said. “She is so dedicated to the athletes and so encouraging to the younger students."

“When we go to state tournaments, she is so conscientious with the athletes, making sure they are taken care of and not taken advantage of. The athletes just love her," Diaz added. “She's lots of fun and always has a smile or a word of encouragement. She is an excellent role model."

Patricia Steele is a reporter with the Daily Sun. She can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 7992, or e-mail patricia.steele@thevillagesmedia.com .

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