Special Olympics showcase skills, camaraderie
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MISSOULA — Local special needs athletes from Polson Schools and Mission Mountain Enterprises competed in the regional Special Olympics held in Missoula on April 22-24.
Polson schools
Athletes from Polson Middle and High School had been practicing weekly since late February, swimming at the Mission Valley Aquatic Center and bowling at the Sportspage in Polson. Track events were held the first day at Big Sky High School and continued the second day with bowling at the Westside Lanes and Fun Center followed the final day with swimming at the YMCA.
Student volunteers attended to help with the events.
“New rules will apply for next year, but we are anticipating opening up the events for Linderman students as well,” said Melesa Butler, Polson Middle School coordinator. Butler added the athletes are wonderful students who “work incredibly hard.”
Mission Mountain Enterprises
About 20 athletes from Mission Mountain Enterprises in Polson and Ronan also competed in the track and field, bowling and swimming events in the Regional Games as one team, the Mission Mountain Grizzlies. MME athletes did not participate in weightlifting events this year.
“The athletes have been training very hard since about September of 2014 all in anticipation of these events,” said Jonathan Manuel, day program manager for Ronan.
The athletes took home several first and second-place ribbons.
“More importantly the athletes had a great time and the team unity and encouragement from each other was an awesome experience,” Manuel said. “It is also a time to get to see old friends and acquaintances from the local area as the Developmental Disabilities community is a close-knit community.”
To raise funding for the event, participants sold tickets for a brand new Chevrolet truck, held a few bake sales and a 50/50 raffle. “Eventually our team will have to become fully self-sufficient so in coming years we will depend more on the community supporting our fundraisers,” Manuel said. “We appreciate all our community support over the years.”
The Regional games are separate from the State games, Manuel explained.
“The State games are for the more serious athletes,” he said. “We are very excited that the state games are taking place in Missoula between May 19-22. We are always looking for community volunteers.”
For more information on how to become a volunteer or learn more about MME, contact Sara Ison or Shawn Wilkinson at (406) 676-2563.
Results
Polson Middle School
8th Grader Christopher David
50 M Dash - 1st
Standing Long Jump - 1st
Softball Throw - 1st
Singles Bowling - 1st
25 M Freestyle Swimming - 3rd
8th Grader Mitchell Schoenen
25 M Walk - 1st
Softball Throw - 1st
8th Grader Mathew Schoenen
25 M Walk - 1st
Standing Long Jump - 1st
Softball Throw - 3rd
7th Grader Cody Merritt
25 M Walk - 3rd
Softball Throw - 4th
Bowling - 2nd
6th Grader Martin Schlensker
50 M Dash - 2nd
Softball Throw - 3rd
25 M Freestyle Swimming - 1st
Bowling - 2nd (game 1)
Bowling - 1st (game 2)
5th Grader Kaidence MacKay
25 M Walk - 2nd
Softball Throw - 3rd
Bowling - 2nd
10 M Assisted Swimming - 1st
Polson High School
Dothan Stene
Standing Long Jump - 2nd
50m Freestyle Swim - 2nd
200m Run - 1st
Bumper Bowl - 2nd
Rochele Farnsworth
Standing Long Jump - 2nd
Bumper Bowl - 3rd
Softball Throw - 2nd
25m Walk - 1st
Fayth Fallat
Softball Throw - 5th
25m Walk - 1st
Bumper Bowl - 1st
15m Flotation Race - 1st
John BakerStreet
Standing Long Jump - 1st
Softball Throw - 2nd
Bumper Bowl - 3rd
100m Walk - 1st
Montana Susoeff
50m Freestyle - 1st
200m Run - 1st
Bumper Bowl - 2nd
Standing Long Jump - 2nd
Chance Hoover
Standing Long Jump -3rd
Bowling - 2nd
50m Freestyle Swim - 2nd
50m Backstroke Swim - 2nd
Paul Nield
Bowling - 1st
Standing Long Jump - 2nd
50m Freestyle Swim - 1st
50m Run - 2nd
Robbie Hayes
Bowling - 1st
Standing Long Jump - 1st
25m Freestyle Swim - 1st
50m Run -3rd
Chris Alexander
Results not available
Kiya Kelly
Bumper Bowl - 1st
Standing Long Jump - 2nd
25m Walk - 2nd
10m Assisted Swim - 1st
(Individual results not reported for MME)
