Tacachale Athletes Shine at the Summer Games
Nine athletes represented Tacachale at the Florida Special Olympics State Summer Games on May 20 and 21 in Lake Buena Vista. The athletes and the staff members who accompanied them were as follows: Jasmine’s Elida D. with Sandra Bonds, Holly’s Earnestine B. with Charmentolette Rackard, Poplar’s Mary M. with Asia Williams, Lily’s Thomas W. with Danette Boykin, Citrus’ Kevin M. with Tomeka Risby, Mimosa A’s Henry F. with Jeffrey Williams, Sycamore’s Connie H. with Michelle Warmick, and Elmwood’s Allan M. and Steve M. with Thaddis Merricks and Mickie Pringle. Nurse Melissa Scott and coach extraordinaire Paula Hawkins provided additional support. This group did a great job competing and representing Tacachale. We are proud of the athletes and appreciative of the staff members who helped them throughout the weekend.
Here is a list of the hardware the group brought home:
5 Gold Medals:
Elida D. – 100 Meter Walk
Earnestine B – 100 Meter Walk
Mary M. – Softball Throw
Thomas S. – 25 Meter Walk
Kevin M. – Softball Throw
6 Silver Medals:
Earnestine B. – Softball Throw
Mary M. – 50 Meter Walk
Thomas S. – Softball Throw
Steve M. – Long Jump
Allan M. – Shot Put
Henry F. - Bocce
2 Bronze Medals:
Connie H. – 50 Meter Walk
Steve M. – Shot Put
Athletes race to the finish line in the 50 meter walk.
In addition to the competitions, Special Olympics provided free health screenings for all the athletes. They conducted vision and hearing screenings. Free eye glasses are provided to those that need them. Everyone received a free pair of sunglasses with or without prescription lenses. Free athletic shoes were given to participants, plus orthotic inserts if needed.
The opening ceremonies were impressive with hundreds of law enforcement officers arriving into the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex with lights flashing as the Torch of Hope was brought in by a runner to light the game’s official flame.
The athletes enjoyed the opening and closing ceremonies and the celebratory dance that was held on the final evening of the games.
Law enforcement officers drive into the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex escorting the Flame of Hope.
Vision Screening are conducted at the games for all athletes.
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