Article Contributed on: 6/29/2006 1:29:03 PM
While most people are enjoying barbecues and fireworks, a select group of athletes will be competing in the 1st National Special Olympics Games from July 1 through 8 at the Iowa State campus in Ames, Iowa.
Eighty-five athletes from across Colorado will compete in athletics (track and field), aquatics, bowling, bocce, powerlifting, tennis, basketball and golf.
Maren Schreiber of Evergreen and
Lori Graham of Lakewood were selected as the coaches for the track and field.
They will be coaching eight athletes in events ranging from the 100-meter run to the pentathalon.
Athletes were selected if they had received a gold medal in a state competetion and could be relatively independent. Lori and Maren ran at Colorado State University together and have been volunteering for Special Olympics for more than 18 years.
Among many other activities and pursuits Maren is the special needs coordinator for the Evergreen Park and Recreation District and Lori is a coach for Arapahoe High School cross country and golf coach for EPRD's special needs golf team.
They are very honored to be selected as the coaches for the state of Colorado. There will be more than 3,000 athletes from all 50 states and 8,000 volunteers.
"It is cool to be able to be a part of the first national games ever," Graham states. "The kids are excited to compete and travel across the country. Since all 50 states are represented it will be fun to see how the Colorado athletes will do against the rest of the nation. Good luck to all the athletes:
Joey,
Robbie,
Jason,
Danny,
Kathryn,
Frankie,
Amanda, and
Melissa.
Support your local Special Olympics by donating to our Annual Wealth Design Network Special Needs Charity Golf Tournament. We need golfers, sponsors, silent auction items, and door prizes. July 10 at Hiwan Golf Club.
E-mail
www.evergreenrecreation.com for more info and entry form.