Monroe County Special Olympics return after three-year hiatus

Spectators stood on the sidelines and cheered athletes of all ages as they prepared to compete in this year’s Monroe County Special Olympics.

Held on May 5 at Jefferson High School, the event has not taken place since 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 games were canceled and last year’s event did not occur due to weather.

The ceremony began with the Jefferson High School band playing the national anthem followed by Ryan McCoy reciting the Special Olympics Oath. McCoy is an athlete and competes year-round in basketball, athletic and unified bowling.

Hosted by the school’s student council with help from advisers Jennifer Crosley and Carrie Grube, close to 200 athletes competed this year.

“We are the student council advisers for Jefferson and we are part of the planning committee for Special Olympics. Our Area 34 director is Kerry Simmons, an ISD teacher,” Grube said. “Jenn and I organize all of the Jefferson students, the equipment and concessions...”

The day's competition was divided into two sessions with a lunch break. Athletes competed in several events including the 100- and 50-meter dashes, softball throw, long jump and bocce ball. Wheelchair events were also included.

Athletes were divided into age groups: 8-13, 14-17, 18-21, 22 and over. They were partnered with a buddy and received a participation medal.

Russ Terrasi of Monroe supervised men’s softball throw.

“The athletes are broken up into age groups and depending on the number of participants, they are divided into heats and each heat will have between four to six throwers,” Terrasi said. “They get three throws and the longest of the three will be recorded and the information will be reported to the scorer’s table to be recorded on a final sheet. Once awards are announced, they are dismissed to their next event.”

Competing in his favorite event, Kasee Clawson took home a blue ribbon in the men’s softball throw event in the 8-13 age category. The 13-year-old earned first place after throwing a softball 93.2 feet. Beaming with pride, his parents, Jerad and Trisha Clawson, watched as he received his award.

In women’s softball, Molly Bruck, 25, was eager to participate in her favorite event along with Karly Kodelman, 37, who took second place in the 22 and older age group.

DJ Barber, 27, showed his skills at bocce ball and secured a blue ribbon. Barber has been participating in Special Olympics for 10 years. He competed in the 22 and older age group.

In the women’s long jump, Annalicia Martinez, 17, placed first, adding another award to her collection. She competed in the 14-17 age group.

“This is my favorite event,” she said. “I’ve been doing this since eighth grade.”

According to Grube, placement ribbons were awarded for each event.

Volunteers, including 160 Jefferson students, helped with various jobs, including keeping score, timekeeping and helping the athletes navigate the field.

Andrew Mullikin, campus pastor at 2|42 Community Church, and church members volunteered at the 100-meter dash.

This was Mullikin’s first time helping at the event.

“I’m looking forward to celebrating the student athletes,” he said. “Making sure they had a great time and that they know there’s a whole community that loves them.”

“It’s the best day of the year at Jefferson," Grube added. “We feel very lucky that we get to host.”

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Monroe County Special Olympics return after three-year hiatus