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Special Olympics USA National Games

USA National Games: Ames, Iowa - July 2, 2006

Wisconsin Athletes Shine at First-Ever National Games Competition

Team Wisconsin athletes recently returned from putting on an impressive performance at the first ever 2006 Special Olympics USA National Games. All of their hard work prior to the competition paid off as, in total, Team Wisconsin brought home 88 medals and 35 ribbons.

Wisconsin athletes joined 3,500 others from across the United States for the National Games.  Team Wisconsin was made up of 62 athletes selected to compete in one of 12 sports from July 2-7 in Ames, Iowa and surrounding areas.  The 12 sports at the event included aquatics, athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, golf, gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball, and motor activities program.
Comedian Tom Arnold emceed the opening ceremony, while country music singer Jo Dee Messina performed at the closing ceremony.

Thank you to Kwik Trip, the year-round Mission Partner of Special Olympics Wisconsin. Also, thanks to Wisconsin National Games sponsors Knights of Columbus, Great Midwest Relay, Kohler Company and Charter Media.


Wisconsin National Games Coaches Named for 2006
Special Olympics Wisconsin named the following coaches to serve on Team Wisconsin:

Women’s Basketball - Paul Wagner, Rita Marsh, Michael Bryant
Men’s Softball - Mark Wolfgram, Dale Schloemer, John Avery
Tennis - Henry Thurman
Bocce - Linda Brothen
Bowling - Lori Brandau
Gymnastics - Mary Fiegel
Athletics - Deb Moore-Gruenloh, John Hough, Lorrie Becklund
Aquatics - Kevin Szydel
Golf - Ron Knaus
Powerlifting - Joe Protz

Read the article: National Games Comes to Sheboygan

by Special Olympics Wisconsin athlete, Martha Hill