Athletes shine in Southern Oregon Special Olympics
From our weekly issue dated July 07, 2010
Runners carrying the torch (Photo provided)
Josephine County Special Olympics hosted the Southern Oregon Regional Track & Field Games at Grants Pass High School on Saturday, June 26.
The event highlighted the hard work of nearly 200 athletes from nine counties.
Josephine County was represented by 15 athletes ranging in ages from 10 to 60. Josephine County came away with 30 medals, which included 20 gold.
Kristofer Latham put forth exceptional effort, earning gold medals in the running long jump, 100-meter dash and the 4x400-meter relay.
Grants Pass residents Nelson & Elizabeth Maler served as head coaches, and the team trained biweekly for three months in preparation for their chance to compete at the regional games. Additionally, Josephine County had 12 volunteer coaches who donated more than 435 volunteer hours to the team.
“As you coach, volunteer or watch,“ said Nelson Maler, “you too will become a fan of their achievement, their courage, their determination and inspiration.“
Special Olympics Oregon is a year-round program offering training and competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports to thousands of Oregonians with intellectual disabilities 8 years and older. In the Special Olympics Oregon program, athletes gain self-confidence, social competency and enhanced physical and social skills.
Phone 541-479-9600 for more information about Special Olympics.
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