Millville's
special Olympian has won 42 medals
GOLDEN MAN:
Richard Morgan, Special Olympian, roots for the Jazz
and the Aggies. / Photo by Jake Ipson
By Jake
Ipson
|
September 29, 2008 | MILLVILLE -- Michael Phelps'
seven gold medals don't even compare to 42 medals.
That is how many medals Richard Morgan has won
in his competitions. Richard competes in the Special
Olympics.
Richard has an amazing story to tell. He was
born in Salt Lake City on Sept. 7, 1979. Richard
was born with a heart defect that caused him to
have his first surgery when he was 3 years old.
He was then sent into cardiac arrest long enough
that it caused brain damage. He then had to have
a more surgeries at the age of 5 and 21; with
more surgeries likely to come. But that hasn't
stopped Richard from having fun. Besides attending
mutual activities that are put on by The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "I like
going to the dances," says Richard. He also has
a job as a dishwasher at the LDS Temple in Logan,
and that is "going well" according to Richard.
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SHINY COLLECTION:
Some of those 42 medals. / Photo by Jake Ipson |
"Richard is perhaps the hardest working
individual I've ever met. It's difficult to keep up
with his pace," said Jennifer Ipson, a co-worker.
At local talent shows Richard shows off his 42 medals
that he has won in the Special Olympics. The Special
Olympics go year round and Richard competes in different
sports depending on the time of year. When asked what
his favorite sport to compete in was, he said, "right
now basketball." His two favorite teams are the Utah
Jazz and the Utah State Aggies basketball team. But
his favorite sport is whatever he is competing in at
the time. The different sports that he competes in are
basketball, volleyball, bowling, track and field, soccer,
and snowboarding. They have area games four times a
year as well as having state games four times a year.
The Special Olympics are remarkable according to Richard's
mother. The games are held all over Utah, some here
in Logan, others in Salt Lake City and Provo. Richard
likes to travel for the events and he likes to stay
in the hotels. Mrs. Morgan said, "It is really fun.
Not like any other competition you have ever seen. The
athletes cheer for one another and it is more about
friendship then competition."
Mrs. Morgan also felt it was important to mention
the coaches that help put the events together. The athletes'
coaches are all volunteers. The local coaches volunteer
from Utah State University and they put a lot of time
and effort into their coaching. Since they are volunteers,
the Special Olympics are at no cost to the parent even
when they have to travel over night.
This is Richard's 11th year competing in the Special
Olympics. He has been a competitor since he graduated
high school. Richard went to Mountain Crest High School
where he then went on to a post high school program.
When asked if he would like to say anything about
the Special Olympics Richard said, "I think when I am
there I like to have fun with my friends and playing
sports with them." The Olympics have helped Richard
make friends that he will see at other activities as
well.
There is an Olympic hero right here in Cache Valley.
Richard really enjoys competing and has a heart as big
as any professional athlete.
NW
MS |
