Poor weather did not dampen spirits at 2008 Special Olympics State Summer Games
While the Opening Ceremony was canceled due to inclement weather, the skies cleared for Friday and Saturday competition at the 2008 Special Olympics State Summer Games. It was an inspiring weekend as nearly 1,600 athletes from around the state gathered in Stevens Point, June 7-9, to compete in soccer, power lifting, track & field and swimming.
Competition was held on the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus. Athletes also enjoyed Victory Village where they could participate in games, listen to music and meet with Special Olympics Wisconsin sponsors Kwik Trip, Quad/Graphics, WEL Companies/Wally Tielens Memorial Fund, Ingram Enterprises, Inc. and radio sponsors WSPT and WKQH.
In addition to competition, for the sixth year in a row, over 100 medical professionals and volunteers assisted in the Healthy Athletes tents by providing FREE eye, ear and dental screenings. A new addition this year was the Health Promotions tent where volunteers provided screening for athletes to ensure they were fit to compete at Summer Games and to suggest healthy habits to practice at home. The screenings included Body Mass Index (BMI) and Bone Mineral Density (BMD). A fun and colorful environment featured interactive educational and motivational activities to encourage athletes to improve their nutrition, keep physically active and modify their daily habits to help reduce their risk for disease. Volunteers educated athletes on the importance of good eating for healthy bodies and strong bones, protection from the dangers of sun exposure, and smoking prevention.
The weekend wrapped up with a "Friday Night Fiesta” Mexican-themed Closing Ceremony. Athletes took a few moments to look back and celebrate a day of fulfilling competition and then danced the night away in sombreros with shaking maracas!
Thank you to Special Olympics Wisconsin Mission Partners Kwik Trip and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for supporting the Summer Games.
Related links
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Summer Games Photos: Photo album #1 | Photo album #2
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Competition Results: Full results | Powerlifting results only
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Video: From Preps on the Net