After his admission of defeat, Cleintuar, who lives with Down syndrome, was approached by some friends who prodded him into training for the Special Olympics.

Cleintuar, now 20, is a three-sport athlete who bowls, lifts weights and plays baseball.

Yesterday, he was one of 800 athletes who held hands, formed a circle and sang "Hawai'i Aloha" at the close of the 2004 Special Olympics Hawai'i State Summer Games at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa's Cooke Field.

"The beauty of this is that everyone can compete and it is very competitive," said Nikki Cleintuar, Adrian's mom. "That's what's great about the Special Olympics — there is a challenge at every level."

After three days of competition in everything from powerlifting to softball, athletes from across the state gathered at midfield yesterday to commemorate the closing of the 36th annual summer games. The circle of smiling athletes, family members and coaches were led in song by a delegation from Moloka'i.

As the song ended, three flocks of multi-colored pigeons were released, delighting the athletes.

Ray Donager, a 37-year-old weightlifter from Kona, said he loves the quality time spent with his peers during the competition.

"I make friends," Donager said, with a broad smile.

Matthew Myers, 22, said the games give him an opportunity to test his talents against other athletes. But he said the weekend also was about enjoying himself.

"To just have the fun and to mingle with others," he said. "To compete and have good sportsmanship."

Special Olympics Hawai'i, sponsor of the games, offers year-round sports training and athletic competition to adults and children with mental disabilities. More than 1,500 athletes from around the state benefit from the program, which enlists more than 325 coaches.

Throughout the weekend's games, volunteers ensured that the event ran smoothly.

Honolulu Police Maj. Bryan Wauke took Friday off and gave up his Saturday and Sunday to work security at the games. He said you don't really feel the impact of volunteering until you come out and witness the emotion evident during the competition.

"It's fun to see them compete, and when they receive the awards, that's the best," he said.

Arlene Kakalia, a Goodwill Industries employee, said the spirit of the games is what drew her.

"What's so great is the people and adults with disabilities all get their hopes and dreams together and become one," Kakalia said.

The athletes' parents embraced their children's competitors as they filed off the field yesterday. Boxes of pizza circulated through throngs of laughing adults and kids.

Many of the athletes with a multitude of disorders require constant attention from family members or attendants. It is a testament to their tireless effort and relentless resolve that they are able to enter the games.

Jamie Hoskinson, a weekend care provider for athlete Donny Smith, said she enjoys being part of the games' positive environment. She said caring for Donny and seeing him excel is a big part of the fun.

"He becomes like family," she said. "He is like my son in a way."