MUSCATINE, Iowa–Memorial Day Weekend, Special Olympics athletes from across the state converged in Ames for the State Summer Games. This included 47 athletes from Muscatine competing in aquatics, bocce ball, soccer, and track and field. A chance not only to compete but to gather with others and form good memories and healthy habits, athletes, coaches, and their supporters enjoyed this year’s event.
Local athletes’ hard work paid off, and they brought home 53 medals and nine fourth-place ribbons. Track and field had a successful outing, with athletes earning six gold, three silver, four bronze medals, and two fourth-place ribbons. Kris Twigg had a personal best in the shot put, and Ryan Keefe had a personal best in the mini javelin. Nathan Paulsen earned a silver medal in the 1,500-meter race, an impressive feat.
Corey Leonhard, a Special Olympics athlete who competed in bocce ball and coached track and field, took pride in their accomplishments. “I think they did good,” he said: “They had fun. They made it to state. They tried their best, and they made the community happy.”
Athletes did well in other sports, with bocce ball athletes earning four gold medals, eight bronze medals, and four fourth-place ribbons. The first-place team, consisting of Adie Strong, Angela Collins, Kevin Brockert, and Special Olympics Muscatine’s most seasoned athlete, Dick Vetter, had an excellent experience. “Dick is our oldest athlete, so they worked together with a team effort,” shared Special Olympics Muscatine Director Tim Atkins.
Aquatic athletes brought back a whopping 14 gold, five silver, two bronze medals, and two fourth-place ribbons. Soccer athletes earned three gold, three silver, one bronze, and one fourth-place ribbon.
Special Olympics Muscatine’s delegation at the State Summer Games. Photo courtesy Special Olympics of Muscatine.
Off the field, athletes got to participate in many valuable events. The games kicked off with an opening ceremony. Throughout the State Summer Games, athletes, chaperones, and coaches could use their cafeteria bracelets at the food trucks in the Athletes’ Village, saving them the hassle of running back and forth between the cafeteria and events.
The Healthy Athletes Program provided free eye, ear, and foot screenings to any athletes and gave them results they could use and share with their primary care providers. Athletes could also receive free prescription glasses, if needed, or free sunglasses.
Throughout the games, athletes stayed in Iowa State University’s dorms and often met in the lounges to share their experiences from the day. Special Olympics Muscatine volunteer Tracy Rininger valued this time the most. “Everybody can hang out, talk about how they did, and laugh.” At the end of the games, everyone celebrated with a dance where they could spend time with friends from across the state.
One of Special Olympics Muscatine’s most anticipated events of the year, Atkins loved the competition it provided and the opportunity for old coaches and other supporters to come together and have a good time. “For me, the games are about the together factor,” he reflected.
