Ten Special Olympians who competed at regionals in Findlay will travel to Columbus Friday to compete at state. Front row left to right: Seth Kunkleman, Meghan Long, Brock Reineke, Aaron Sciranka, Corbin Martin, Justin Wilmoth and DeShun Johnson. Second row left to right: Coach Randy Crouse, Jeff Romaker, Josh Julian, Alex Hunter, Michael Biery, Danielle Jones, Abby Conley, Samantha Cramer, Anton Glen, Danielle Dunlap. Back row left to right: Debo Bunley, Robert Healey and Cedric Parker.
Photo submitted by Stacy Crouse
LIMA — Competitors in the Summer Games of Ohio’s Special Olympics will be headed to Columbus Friday.
”I really enjoy watching the athletes and the excitement,” said Stacy Crouse, local coordinator for Allen County Special Olympics who will be traveling with the team. “It’s just joyful to be part of something that is so rewarding to others.”
“I have been involved with Special Olympics for 22 years. My son is actually an athlete and he’s why I got involved. I started out as a volunteer, and then joined the advisory council and then I became the local coordinator several years ago.”
Crouse also is a coach and mentor. During the practices, she said, “There is a lot of camaraderie among the athletes … They just have so much fun and they always give 100%.”
Event locations and schedule
Track and field events will be held at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium at The Ohio State University, 2450 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus. Training occurred during March and April and then competitors had to participate in the regional track meet in May to qualify for the state competition. Regionals were held at Findlay High School, where athletes from 22 counties vied for top spots.
Competitors in track and field sports this year will include:
• 100M Run: Meghan Long (2:45 p.m. Saturday) Michael Biery (9:30 a.m. Sunday), Debo Bunley (9:30 a.m. Sunday), Alex Hunter (10:15 a.m. Sunday).
• 100M Walk: Seth Kunkleman (8 a.m. Sunday), Jeffery Rodmaker (8 a.m. Sunday)
• Mini-Javelin: Meghan Long (8 a.m. Saturday)
• Running Long Jump: Alex Hunter (1 p.m. Saturday)
Track coaches traveling to Columbus include Stacy Crouse, Randy Crouse and Lisa Long.
Bowling events will be held at the AMF Sawmill Lanes Bowling Alley, 4825 Sawmill Road, Columbus. To prepare, competitors practiced for three months over 16 practice events.
• Bowling Singles: Danielle Jones (9 a.m. to noon Saturday), Justin Wilmoth (9 a.m. to noon Saturday), Zack Crawford (9 a.m. to noon Sunday), Bradley Welker (9 a.m. to noon Sunday)
Jackie Lyons is the bowling coach.
Softball competition will take place at the softball fields at Coffey Road Sports Center, 1966 Coffey Road, Columbus.
• Softball Throw: Michael Biery (9:30 a.m. Saturday), Debo Bunley (9:30 a.m. Saturday), Seth Kunkleman (10:30 a.m. Saturday), Jeffery Rodmaker (10:30 a.m. Saturday)
About the Organization
The Allen County Special Olympics provides year-round Olympic-type sports opportunities for child and adult athletes in Allen County who are at least 8 years old and have been diagnosed with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.
The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity funded through donations and fundraising activities such as their fall nut sale, raffles and candy bar sales. Individuals interested in applying to join the organization should email [email protected] for details. Tax-deductible donations may be mailed to Allen County Special Olympics, 2565 Susan Ann Drive, Elida, Ohio 45807.
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