Chiefs' Jamaal Charles a special athlete

THE SPECIAL Olympics World Games kicked off in Los Angeles over the weekend, and the Opening Ceremonies included an inspiring speech by Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles.

Charles, who won a national title at Texas and has gained over 1,000 yards each of the last three seasons - and five of his seven with the Chiefs - shared a story that resonated with the crowd.

"When I was a boy, I had trouble reading," Charles said. "I found out I had a learning disability. People made fun of me. They said I would never go anywhere. But I learned I can fly. When I was 10 years old, I had the chance to compete in the Special Olympics. That's right - the Special Olympics gave me my first chance to discover a talent I did not know I had."

The Games, which are being televised by ESPN, continue through Aug. 2 and feature 6,500 athletes from 165 countries.

Among them is Lisa Berlin, of Telford, who is entered in the equestrian competition, which begins tomorrow.

Berlin, who rides at the Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Perkasie, will compete in three events.

Happy birthday wishes go out to Bugs Bunny, who turned 75 years old today.

Bugs made his official debut in the cartoon "A Wild Hare" on July 27, 1940, which was so good it was nominated for an Academy Award. No kidding.

Of course, his greatest athletic achievement was beating the Gas-House Gorillas, 96-95, in a baseball-themed cartoon in 1946. Bugs set a record by playing all nine positions at the same time.

Bugs Bunny first base, Bugs Bunny second base. Bugs Bunny rightfield . . .

And using a picture of a pinup girl to distract one of the Gorillas long enough to score a run was truly an inspiration.

The 7-minute classic can be found on YouTube.

- Ed Barkowitz