DECATUR - Wet weather forced the cancellation of several Special Olympics Illinois events that were to be held throughout Decatur this weekend.

Only Saturday's equestrian competition and golf at Hickory Point Golf Course went on as scheduled. Softball was rained out completely, and all events today have been called off with heavy rain in the forecast.

For the nearly 60 athletes who were able to compete in equestrian, the events were the payoff for months of training. Equestrian, which was the only competition indoors, was held at Big Creek Riding Center on Lost Bridge Road.

"This is what the athletes have been training for," said Paula Boys, coach of the Decatur-based Dream Catchers team. "They're all ready to go."

The team had 16 riders slated to compete, with judging based more on the patterns they ride than things such as jumping. They've been practicing every Tuesday evening since May at Rocky Lane Farm in preparation for the fall outdoor sports festival, Boys said.

Team members range in age from 8 to 60 and pick the sport in which they want to compete, she said. Boys was excited about the team's prospects, with four of the athletes able to ride independently and more, hopefully, able to do so by next year.

Boys' daughter, Sarah, was ready to compete as she gathered with her teammates to watch the day's activities.

"I just want to go out there and have fun," Sarah Boys said. "Then I'm going to cheer on the other athletes."

No one seemed to mind the mud or threat of oncoming rain as adjustments to the schedule were made to allow for as much of the competition to go on as possible.

The opening ceremonies that were to be held Saturday evening in Central Park were to be moved inside Decatur Civic Center.

"We're trying to do as much as we can, given the circumstances," Special Olympics Illinois spokeswoman Michele Henson said. "This can be a lifetime opportunity for somebody."

Henson said softball at Rotary Park would have been too muddy.

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