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Gator Athletes Overcome Scorching Temperatures to Win Big
at June 15 - 17 Special Olympics Illinois State Summer Games
Heat advisory or not, NSSRA’s Gator athletes could not be stopped
this weekend at Illinois Special Olympics’ annual State Summer
Games. Though temperatures climbed into the 90s through the
third day competition, with heat index readings peaking from 100
to 105 degrees each afternoon, the Gators braved on, winning a
collective 18 medals, nine of them gold.
Ranging in age from 11 to 60, 12 Gator athletes qualified for the
June games with 10 competing. Eight of the 10 athletes placed in
one or more of their respective competitions, though one athlete
did not get the chance to compete as her event was suspended
and later cancelled due to the severe heat. The Gators competed
in bocce, powerlifting and track and field. In order to qualify each
athlete was required to win first place at each sport’s regional
competition.
NSSRA’s band of 10 athletes was small but mighty. “At opening
ceremonies, the Gators may have been one of the smallest teams
but they were one of the loudest and most enthusiastic groups in
the bleachers,” said NSSRA Recreation Specialist and Coach Katie
James. “We are so proud to be a part of the Special Olympics
community, especially this year on the 50th anniversary.”
The Gators had another big reason to cheer during opening
ceremonies as one of their teammates, powerlifter Katie Millar of
Mundelein, was recognized for making Team Illinois, an incredible
achievement. Katie will be competing in just a few weeks at the
Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle, and her success was even
recently highlighted in a World Wrestling Entertainment video
feature.
www.nssra.org
Speaking of powerlifting, NSSRA’s five powerlifters continued to
dominate for the third year in a row, winning 15 of NSSRA’s total
18-medal count. Mike Sener of Evanston, only in his second year
on the team, won gold in all three of his events, while Bill Fisher of
Highland Park placed first in Bench Press. Miguel Lara of Highland
Park performed exceptionally well, winning gold in Deadlift, a silver
medal in his Squat event and two bronze medals in Bench Press and
Combination Bench and Deadlift.
Millar collected three medals on her own, first place in Squat and
Combination Bench and Deadlift, and second in Bench Press. Finally,
not to be left out, Bryan Parent of Wilmette brought home four
medals, second in Squat and third place in Bench Press, Deadlift and
Combination Bench and Deadlift.
Thomas Jachtorowycz of Glenview, a three-time competitor at the
Games at only 11, won gold in his only event, Mini Javelin Throw,
while Sam Green of Winnetka, a long-time competitor at the Games,
won gold in his division of the 3000 Meter Run. Green came back
just one event later to place fourth in the 800 Meter Run.
“The entire weekend, the Gators were incredibly positive even when
things didn’t go their way,” said NSSRA Recreation Specialist and
Coach Hailey Haas. She continued, “Thomas won gold, but he also
made friends in his division amongst his competitors. The most
important part of the Games are the opportunities our athletes
are given to be both gracious winners and losers. To see the way
Thomas and all of our athletes both cheered each other on and
congratulated their opponents throughout the weekend, that alone
makes this year’s Games a huge success for us.”
GATORS OVERCOME AT STATE
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