Durham went to Special Olympics

Thirty years ago this week, a Portland man was preparing to be the first Jay County native to participate in the International Summer Special Olympics Games. 

The then 23-year-old Rog Durham was a swimmer who spent the previous six years collecting medals.

“Want to see my collection?” he asked as he showed off his bronze, silver and gold medals.  

Durham spent hours swimming in preparation for the largest multi-sports competition of the year in South Bend. He would be competing against swimmers from all 50 states and 66 other countries.

Durham’s mother, Janice, said the chance for her son to participate in the summer’s games was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

“He’s been such a good swimmer for so long,” she said. “This will be the crowning glory of his swimming career.” 

Durham started swimming competitively when he was 7 years old.

He specialized in butterfly and breaststroke, but also participated in the 100-meter individual medley, 50 butterfly, 100 backstroke and the medley and freestyle relays.

When he wasn't in the pool, Durham ran track and participated in basketball and softball with the local Special Olympics program. 

Durham’s father, Rogers, who acted as the athlete’s swimming coach, said he was excited for his son to participate in the big games. 

“It’s going to be something to see,” he said.