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A Williamsport man who has been lighting a torch and directing the pathway for dozens of Special Olympics athletes over the years received recognition recently during the annual Summer Games at Penn State.
Lester Loner, a volunteer coach for over 40 years, carried the torch and lit the "Flame of Hope" at the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Summer Games' Opening Ceremonies. He also was named "Pa Special Olympics Volunteer of the Year."
Two highlights of the ceremony at Medler Field, University Park, were the induction of two newest members of the Pa Special Olympics Hall of Fame, Special Olympics Pennsylvania athlete Katie Spencer, from Montgomery County and Coach Loner, from Lycoming County.
The Opening Ceremonies featured the lighting of the Special Olympics Flame, which was lit from the Law Enforcement Torch Run torch, which was carried in a relay from Pittsburgh to State College. Both Katie and Coach Lester took part in the procession and lighting of the Caldron.
The summer event is the largest statewide competition bringing more than 2,000 athletes and 750 coaches. Competition in athletics, basketball, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, softball, swimming and tennis were sports played in the three-day event.
Weeks of hard work and dedication in training is rewarded as athletes are cheered on and supported during competition by more than 1,000 enthusiastic volunteers.
"It was an honor," said Loner, who wanted to acknowledge Spencer, a multi-sport athlete, who participates in basketball, soccer, bocce, floor hockey, bowling and unified softball, according to Special Olympics and her hometown Norristown, Montgomery County.
Loner estimated that the Opening Ceremonies brought out at least 2,500 fans in attendance at with around 1,650 athletes competing. Medler Field holds 5,570 people.
Loner said he was given a chance to speak to the crowd, and while he appreciated being recognized as a volunteer, he said his focus was on the athletes.
"It is our job to train them properly," Loner told the Sun-Gazette following the event.
Each one of the volunteer coaches shows respect and teaches the athletes that there are rules to follow.
"We teach them about life, and "being the best you can be," Loner said.
Serving as a volunteer, he said, is about mentoring and that can mean sometimes being hard on the athletes but at the same time respecting them and making sure they perform to the best of their abilities.
Pennsylvania, Loner added, has among the best Special Olympics programs, with top-notch coaches and athletes.
Loner doesn't say that without confidence, having been to nine Special Olympics World Games.
The coach is not only a mentor for the sports competitions ahead, but shows the athlete how to compete in life, which isn't always easy, especially for those with special needs, he said.
Always bringing a light-hearted demeanor, but with a sternness when the athletes need motivation, Loner said he wasn't sure how to end his pep talk before the games began.
"I borrowed a line from Porky Pig," he said, laughing.
"That's All Folks."