VALDOSTA —
On the weekend of Jan. 20-22, 21 Special Olympic athletes from the Valdosta-Lowndes Parks and Recreation Authority traveled to Marietta to compete in the 2012 Special Olympics Georgia Winter Games.
Over 3,000 athletes from the state competed in various sports, including floor hockey, basketball, power lifting, gymnastics and skating. The weekend began with the Opening Ceremonies, where there was a parade of athletes from the different delegations represented with flags and banners.
The floor hockey team practiced weeks before the competition and received a Silver medal.
The team consisted of Ray Deloach, Clay Doub, Tony Dyal, Lewis Gordon, Kyle Griffin, Todd Howard, Richard McCray, Keisha McCray, Miranda Shanklin and Jason Tollerud. The players were supported by their coaches, Tammy Crosby and Shannon Arnold.
Athletes that participated in the basketball skills competition were all awarded medals and ribbons for their hard work. Those who participated were Randy Castleberry, Donna Compton, Sarah Hall, Jennifer Ivey, Art Jonas, Steve Lawson, Kimyada Pinkney, Lori Santos and Chelsea Thompson.
The players were supported by their coach, Brittany Mitchell.
Julie Doss competed in Level 2 Artistic Gymnastics. Julie won a gold medal in the floor exercise, balance beam, vault, uneven bars and all around.
The Special Olympics mission remains as vital today as it did when the movement was founded in 1968.
Through the power of sport, Special Olympics strives to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people. Everyone deserves a chance at a happy and purposeful life. Yet people with intellectual disabilities face doubt, barriers and low expectations.
For many, Special Olympics is the only place where they find an opportunity to participate in their communities, develop belief in themselves and feel like champions. But for every inspiring Special Olympics athlete, there are many more waiting for their chance to shine.
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Related Photos
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Members of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority team pose for a picture following January’s Winter Special Olympics in Marietta. Featured in the photo: back row, left to right: Todd Howard, Ray Deloach, Clay Doub, Richard McCray, Lewis Gordon and Billy Smith. Front row: Tiny Dyal, coach Tammy Crosby, Miranda Shanklin, Keisha McCray, Kyle Griffin and Jason Tollerud. Submitted Photo
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