Special Olympics Hernando takes four gold medals in the 2016 Fall Classic!
On November 12 and 13, Hernando County Special Olympics athletes traveled to Orlando to compete in the 2016 Fall Classic at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
During the Fall Classic, Nick, Blake and Jimmy all brought gold in their competition for Softball skills, Kyle got Bronze and Keith took home silver. Wayne who competed in the powerlifting brought home the gold, Jeff got bronze and Dakota from Pasco who trained with Hernando took gold.
All of these athletes are determined to succeed. Wayne’s story illustrates the traits of the Special Olympics athlete. He has had challenges in life. He was born prematurely and has related disabilities including blindness. Wayne overcame these obstacles and became a licensed massage therapist, a black belt in Karate and now, a gold medal champion powerlifter.
“He exemplifies bravery in the attempt. He has not let anything hold him back,” Rhonda Coleman said. Coleman is County Director for Citrus and Hernando. “He is quite an inspiration to our entire program.”
All the athletes that competed in the Fall Classic exceeded their personal best, and for Coleman that was more than anyone could imagine. “It’s truly beyond words,” Coleman expressed.
The powerlifting team is bound for Georgia to compete in the Regional Competition in January 2017.
“We are looking for champions to sponsor them and we are hoping to collect donations to support and fund their trip,” Rhonda Coleman said.
Congratulations to all those athletes that continue to make accomplishments and achievements, both personally as well as within a team.
Currently Special Olympics Hernando offer Softball skills and powerlifting Skills as a competitive competition within Classic. As they grow, more opportunities will be available.
“Our goal is to make everyone in the county aware not only that we exist but those with intellectual and developmental disabilities… are able to participate in our program in some manner,” Coleman expressed.
Coming up: The Hills 5th Anniversary Party/Poker run for Special Olympics Hernando and Pancake Breakfast at Beef “O” Brady’s December 10 from 8am to 10am at 7601 Horse Lake Rd. Brooksville
Special Olympics provides year round sports training and competition as well as other leadership opportunity with individuals 8 years old and up with intellectual developmental disabilities.
For more information visit their website at http://specialolympicsflorida.org/hernando/
Special Olympics Florida – Hernando County 9611 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, FL 34613
Photos courtesy of Rhonda Coleman.