Special Olympians to State
WALSENBURG- The 2008 Tri-Area Regional Meet held three weeks ago in Englewood was a special time for the athletes and their coaches, family and friends. The weather was a cold, drizzly and windy day, but the athletes gave it their best and competed in their respective events. One of the main purposes of the day was getting together with friends from other areas. According to their coaches, “It was a joy to see. Each wishing the other good luck in their events.” When they finished, they gave each other hugs and high-fives. To see such affection by their actions is breathtaking.
This is not the end of the story however. The summer games will continue this weekend as the Walsenburg Day Center and Sheltered workshop will be sending eight athletes to the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley to participate in the State Games. Unfortunately not everyone could go as there were only a selected amount of slots available. To make it fair, names were drawn from the hat to select their team. Those traveling include; Christina A., Crystal S., Tina A., Phyllis M., Nina R., Sharron C., Bret M., and Joey T. They will be led by coaches Rita Casias and Gerry Cardenias.
These fine athletes will represent Walsenburg. For those not making the trip, there was some initial disappointment but as the last name was drawn, everyone who was not selected, congratulated their teammates and wished them well.
The results of the Regional Meet included: Christina A. 3rd in softball throw and 2nd in 100m walk; Bobby B. 2nd in 50m dash and 1st in softball throw; Bret M. 1st in soft ball throw and 2nd 100m dash; Joey T. 4th in softball throw and 1st in 100m walk; Crystal S- 2nd in softball throw and 3rd in 100m walk; Lisa G. 4th in softball throw and 2nd in the 15m walk; Tina A. 1st in both the 100m walk and 50m walk; Phyllis M. 5th in softball throw and 3rd in the 50m walk; Jolo R. 1st in the 100m walk and 3rd in the softball throw; Nina R. 1st in the 15m walk and 2nd in the softball throw; Shane P. 1st in 50m dash and 2nd in softball throw and lastly, Sharron C. 1st in the 100m walk and 4th softball throw.
We want to wish these ambassadors of Walsenburg the best of luck in their upcoming events. For anyone wishing to attend this event, the games begin May 30 in the morning and continue through Saturday.
(NOTE: Due to HIPAA regulations, only the initials of each participant’s last name were used.)
