C-A Special Olympics compete at state

Athletes from across the state were on the campus of UW-Whitewater June 6-8, for the 2024 Special Olympics Wisconsin Summer Games. It was the largest multi-sport games Special Olympics Wisconsin has held in its more-than 50 year history.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wisconsin kicked off the event Thursday evening. Afterwards, a Parade of Athletes featuring 96 statewide local programs filled the arena, followed by the presentation of colors by the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Honor Guard. Athletes then competed in a variety of sports including cornhole, powerlifting, soccer, tennis, and track & field. Friday night featured the traditional Victory Dance which had a masquerade theme this year.

Special Olympics Wisconsin hosted a series of health-focused activities, including four Healthy Athletes events. Special Smiles provided by Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation (oral health screenings and education), Opening Eyes provided by Lions Club International Foundation (vision screenings), and Health Promotion (nutrition, fitness, and health practices) took place Friday. FitFeet offered podiatry screenings while HEAR Wisconsin Mobile Audiology Clinic was offering free hearing screenings. In total, 590 health screenings across all disciplines were held. The Colby-Abby Special Olympics team sent several members to compete. Led by coach Mark Pries, Miguel Hernandez Cuevas and Adolfo Tzintzun each brought home a silver medal in the cornhole competition. Led by coach Julie Johnson, Brianna Schreffler earned 4th place in the softball throw and 7th place in the 50-meter dash. Michael Brill earned two bronze medals from competing in both the standing long jump and the javelin throw.

ON TO STATE - The members of the Colby-Abby Special Olympics team and their coaches pose together before making the trip to UW-Whitewater for this year’s Summer Games. The athletes qualified for the state finals after placing at the regional meet held in Merrill on Saturday, May 4. From left to right in the photo are coach Julie Johnson, Miguel Hernandez Cuevas, Adam Darr, Brianna Schreffler, Michael Brill, Adolfo Tzintzun and coach Mark Pries.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

MAKING A MARK - Miguel Hernandez Cuevas and Adolfo Tzintzun, above, pose together after earning a silver medal in the cornhole event. Brianna Schreffler, right, and Michael Brill, far right, show off their own hardware they earned at the Summer Games.