MUSCATINE, Iowa–The second week in June, 12 Special Olympics Muscatine athletes attended the Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida to compete in flag football, swimming, and track and field. The athletes brought home several medals and ribbons, as well as treasured memories that will last a lifetime.
Though Muscatine’s 10 member flag football team had never attended the USA games before, let alone competed in the sweltering heat and humidity of a Floridian summer, they distinguished themselves earning a bronze medal. “We did good, ” said flag football player Danielle Mally. Mally felt proud that her team went up against the Illinois and Texas flag football teams, which came from much larger cities that Muscatine.
In swimming, Adam Rininger felt elated to earn a silver medal in 50 yard freestyle, which he swam in only 42 seconds. He also placed sixth in 100 yard freestyle and participated in 50 yard breaststroke. Though Rininger competed in solo swim competitions, he most liked that the games allowed him to, “meet other athletes from around the United States–there were also a few from the Caribbean as well.”
Nathan Paulsen competed in a variety of events, including the 1,500 meter race (where he earned fourth place), the 400 meter race (where he earned eighth place), and mini javelin (where he earned sixth). Always a dedicated runner, Paulsen shared, “I ran hard because the USA gamers were so fun.”
When not on the field competing, athletes got to spend time visiting Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. The also got to see many professional athletes, including the Harlem Globe Trotters, who even performed for them.
Athletes also got to meet other competitors from different states, giving each other special state pins and sometimes even special gifts as well. Interim Special Olympics Muscatine Director Tim Atkins found it especially exciting that flag football player Addie Strong met an athlete from Hawaii who gave her several handmade shell necklaces, a rare honor that only a few athletes get during the USA games. At the end of the games, athletes also got to trade some extra uniform pieces they brought with them.
Reflecting on Special Olympics Muscatine’s trip to the USA Games, Atkins felt glad athletes found success and experienced such a large and exciting event. “The fact that we came home with a bronze medal is pretty fantastic, and even more, they had a great time,” he said. “For me, it’s always about getting them to branch out at the next level.
