Virgen: Clayton’s story, an example of Special Olympics power

Every police officer in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics has a story to tell and a reason why they participate in such a unique event.

Most of those stories bring tears to even the toughest policemen. Irvine Police Department Commander Mike Hallinan couldn’t help but cry after he heard the story of Ricardo Clayton.

The stories, and Clayton’s pride, resonated during the Torch Run, which had its Final Leg come through Orange County for the World Games that begin Saturday in Los Angeles.

Clayton and Hallinan shared a hug during a quaint dinner reception at 5.11 Tactical in Irvine on Monday night.

Clayton’s daughter, Zaria, 16, has competed in the Special Olympics, the Games helped her find strength when sadness nearly overcame her and the Clayton family.

Clayton, the chief of the Meridian School District Police Department in Mississippi, never really thought about the struggles that come with raising a special needs child when Zaria was born. He was only grateful for her birth. There were supposed to be twins, but Zaria’s twin died at birth.

Doctors told Clayton and his wife Shawna that Zaria would not walk, talk or be able to learn, Clayton says. They were advised to institutionalize Zaria, who had spent her first six months of life in the neonatal intensive care unit after being born at 1 pound, 6 ounces.

“They told us the facility would take care of her and love her like their own,” Clayton said. “But we chose the opposite of that. We chose that it was our baby. We didn’t know how long she had to live but if it was three days, she would know what love is for three days.

“We took her home. It took time but she eventually learned to walk. She eventually learned to talk and she eventually went to school.”

But that’s not really where the sad part came for Zaria and her family. Clayton describes the adversity as a “very bad day” when Zaria was teased harshly at school and scolded by a bus driver who embarrassed the girl by challenging her if she remembered where she lived, Clayton said.

Zaria doesn’t have noticeable facial features that many special needs children have, but that is not to defend a bus driver who caused Zaria to run off the bus crying and wanting the comfort of mom and dad.

Clayton and his wife consoled Zaria. The crying stopped but returned later at night when she lay in bed with her parents.

“She asked me, ‘Daddy, when I get older can I still live with you and mommy because I don’t know if I can live on my own.’” Clayton said.

Clayton and his wife wept. They continued to love their daughter and held on to hope that things would get better.

About a year later, the hope was answered in the form of Special Olympics. Zaria found happiness in running the 50-meter dash and participating in the softball throw.

“When she first went to the Special Olympics [practice] she held my wife’s hand with tears in her eyes,” Clayton said. “She said, ‘Mommy look, there are other kids just like me.’

“A lot of times we don’t have an idea who we are talking to and some of the things we say and how hurtful they can be. But Special Olympics gave her a platform for her to be included. And where she can play and where she can have friends, and have people to care for her and love her. That’s the power of Special Olympics. It opens doors.”

Many stories like Clayton’s make up the cornerstone of the Special Olympics. It leads to someone like Willem Driessen to say just being a part of the events is “extraordinary.”

Driessen, the director of global marketing for 5.11 Tactical, was excited to be at the reception and celebrate a great Torch Run with the police officers from all over the U.S. as well as other parts of the world, including Korea, Ireland and Jamaica.

The company, 5.11 Tactical, produces apparel and gear for law enforcement, first responders, tactical operators and recreational enthusiasts.

Tom Davin, the 5.11 Tactical CEO, supported those at the reception and reminded everyone that the company marked merchandise 40% off and then donated 10% of each sale to the Special Olympics.

Throughout the county, it seemed as if everyone wanted to be a part of the Torch Run and welcome in Special Olympic athletes, who began to arrive Tuesday.

Newport Beach Mayor Ed Selich congratulated those in the Torch Run at the Newport Beach Civic Center Monday at around noon. Newport Beach Police Chief Jay Johnson became a bit emotional when he saw the Corona del Mar High cheerleaders show love to the Special Olympic athletes and a special needs child.

The runners posed for pictures and danced. The Special Olympic athletes from all over the world will be practicing at facilities in Orange County, where they will also be hosted by the cities. In addition to practices the athletes will have fun.

Athletes from Aruba and the Bahamas will be in Costa Mesa. Newport Beach has athletes from Mexico and Fiji.

The cities want to be sure the athletes are ready for the Games, and show their support throughout the week.

Clayton is in town through Monday. He’ll be there to support the athletes, too.