Oceanside’s Special Olympians are back home feeling great about their game after a strong showing at the B.C. Special Olympics Summer Games.
Played July 11-14 in Langley, B.C., Oceanside swim coach John Larner, said “the weather was great, the venues and the accommodations were outstanding.”
With 1,200 athletes plus the many coaches and volunteers, it was “a large event.”
“From the opening ceremony to the wind-up dance, things moved along well, although the fire alarm Saturday night did create some additional excitement,” said Larner, who made the point that while not everyone who attends the Games will win medals, “the fact that they qualified and represented their sport and our local community makes them all winners. “
“It was a great trip,” he said. “They always look forward to going they have a great time they get to renew friendships,” and confirmed there is a cross section, there are those more for the social aspect, “and those who train hard core to get ready to go and are very competitive. They really get into this.”
GIVING IT THEIR ALL in Langley were:
In swimming, Amanda Stewart earned four medals, Ashley Thompson and Shayne Blandin bagged three apiece, and Jered Bertulis, Mark Blasco, and Rhys Barsby two each.
In Bocce; Kerri Lipsack and Melanie McMaster mined a silver medal in pairs.
In track; Debbie Bismeyer earned medals.
In softball; Alicia Lewis Patient picked up a silver medal.
In bowling; Doug Rolfe earned a bronze medal.
Also bringing their A-games were Andrew Piercy and Cassie Eshraghi who turned in a great effort supporting their individual teams.