Local athletes triumph at Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games

[June 21, 2012]  NORMAL -- Nearly 4,000 athletes from across the state competed in the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games on June 15-17 at Illinois State University in Normal. Athletes competed in one of six sports: aquatics, athletics (track and field), bocce, gymnastics, powerlifting and soccer.

Results for Lincoln competitors are listed later in this article. For complete results, go to http://www.soill.org/
downloadfile.php?docID=4198.

In attendance were approximately:

• 3,967 athletes and unified partners competing in six sports.

• 2,000 family members.

• 1,621 coaches.

• 2,500 volunteers.

Before competing in the Illinois Summer Games, athletes had to complete eight weeks of training and qualify through area or district competition. Athletes are placed in divisions based on age and skill level so that each athlete can have the opportunity to experience success while competing on a comparable playing field.

Also at this year's Summer Games, 6- and 7-year-olds in the Young Athletes program could participate in the 50-meter run, tennis ball throw and soccer skills.

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Results for Lincoln competitors:

Lincoln House

• 100-meter walk -- Robert Newton, third place

• Softball throw -- Clarence Duvall, first place; Kerry E. Payne, second place; Ricky Hatfield, fourth place

Lincoln Park District

• 100-meter run -- Jaime Horn, Mason City, fourth place; Sarah "Sally" Spear, fourth place; Todd Timm, fourth place; Kenneth "Kenny" Zessin, third place

• 100-meter walk -- Amber Newton, participation ribbon

• 4x100-meter relay -- Lincoln Ladys, first place: Janet Finn, Jeanette "Jean" Finn, Shirley Nalley, Ann Rademaker, Sarah "Sally" Spear

• 800-meter walk -- Allison Lynn Matthews, second place

• Shotput -- Tony Liechty, second place; Ann Rademaker, fifth place

• Softball throw -- Shirley Nalley, second place; Greg Crosman, third place; Jason D. Matthews, fifth place

• Standing long jump -- Scott A. Davis, first place; Nathaniel "Nate" Fanning, Chestnut, second place; Jeanette "Jean" Finn, second place; Sarah "Sally" Spear, second place; Jaime Horn, Mason City, fourth place

Lincoln Residential Developers

• Tennis ball throw -- Abraham Maldonado, first place; Hosea "Chuck" Williams, first place

North Kickapoo, Lincoln

• 100-meter walk -- Michael "Tony" Schoby, third place; Janine Wolters, third place

• Softball throw -- Michael "Tony" Schoby, fourth place; Janine Wolters, seventh place

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Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games would not be possible without the time and support of the volunteers, donors and the following 2012 Summer Games sponsors:

Gold medal sponsors

• Illinois Knights of Columbus

• Law Enforcement Torch Run

Bronze medal sponsors

• State Farm Insurance Cos.

• American Legion and Auxiliary

• Normal Firefighters IAFF Local 2442

Venue sponsors

• Alexander's Steak House

• Avanti's Italian Restaurant

• Northstar Lottery Group

• Shop 'n Save

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Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 sports for more than 21,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and more than 11,000 athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics changes lives by empowering people with intellectual disabilities to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support.

If you are interested in learning more about Special Olympics Illinois, volunteering or providing financial support to help make Special Olympics programs possible, contact your local Special Olympics agency, call 800-394-0562 or visit www.soill.org.

[Text from file received from Special Olympics Illinois]