Sports : Vinton-Shellsburg Special Olympians Do Well At State

Kenny Boer placed 3rd in the Shotput

Marko Pilopovic took the gold in the Softball Throw.

Rodney Uthoff brought home the gold in the Softball Throw.

Zach Kramer and Beau Vinton of Vinton - Shellsburg enjoyed the carnival between competitionss.

Nearly 3,000 athletes and 1200 volunteers converged on Ames last weekend for the State Special Olym

           There were two Statewide competitions in the Des Moines area last weekend.  While the one in Des Moines may have gotten more attention, Vinton-Shellsburg was well represented in Ames also.  The Special Olympics of Iowa State Track and Field competition was held Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  The weight of gold, silver and bronze made the bus ride lower, but the spirits of the team were high enough to keep it riding high on the way home.  The team of 19 athletes brought back a total of 28 medals and 5 ribbons.  Here’s how the trophy count shaped up:  15 gold, 8 silver, and 5 bronze.  Ribbons were also awarded for 4^thplace-1, 5^thplace-3, and 6^thplace-1.    The Vinton-Shellsburg team will be a little lighter next year with the loss of team members Kim Moon, Rezia Kramer, John Larkin, and Dakota Gudanbauer.  While those athletes will be missed, there is a strong crop of newcomers anxious to take their place.

            Although the medal count is nice, the bigger prize these athletes brought home was a higher sense of self worth and greater independence.  The oath that all Special Olympics athletes recite during opening ceremonies sums up the spirit of the games.  “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”  Special Olympics promotes sportsmanship, independence and personal growth.

            This year the athletes participated in 5 on 5 basketball, basketball skills, and track and field competitions.  All basketball teams came home from state with gold medals as well.  Next season, the VS Special Olympics program plans to add bowling competition to the mix to allow the athletes even greater opportunities to compete.

The team will have their end of year wrap up on Thursday, May 27^that the Pizza Ranch at 6pm.   The athletes and coaches of the Vinton-Shellsburg Special Olympics team realize that they did not reach their accomplishments on their own.  They would like to thank all the businesses and private donors that helped make this amazing year possible.   

Final Results: