Athletes go for gold at Area 5 Special Olympics
Dozens of athletes from 19 schools participated in the Area 5 Special Olympics Athletics Competition May 11, in Pillager.
Hosted by the Pillager Huskies, the event was held at the high school and featured a number of track and field events, including the 50 meter dash, 400 meter walk and run, the 4x100 meter unified relay, long jump, tennis ball throw; and shot put.
Although the day was cold and rainy, the athletes gave it their all, taking home a number of ribbons for their efforts.
Pillager coach Kim Lund said the event went very well. “These athletes worked very hard during practice and it showed today. The athletes ran hard and left it all on the track. I am so proud of the team.”
Lund went on to note that, “This event would not have run as smooth without the support of Leah Wolkow, the Pillager track coaches (Jim Bentson, Ann Hutchison and Terry Hollingsworth), Camp Confidence, Headquarters 134th BSB (MN Army National Guard, Camp Ripley) and the Pillager students.”
Staples Motley coach Julie Richgels had nothing but praise for her team as well. “They have done a great job at every event this year,” she said. In addition to the Athletics Competition (the final one for the school year), the Cardinals have competed at several other Area 5 Special Olympics events, including bowling, unified bowling, basketball, unified basketball, a winter carnival; and the swim meet.
