Annual Special Olympics Track and Field Tournament Successful

Deidre Ritter of Freeport won a good medal in the running long jump at the annual Special Olympics tournament in Ford City April 15.

by Michelle Polczynski

The local chapter of the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania hosted their annual Track and Field Tournament Sunday, April 15 at the Ford City football field.

Approximately 60 athletes from Armstrong and Indiana County participated in the tournament.  Athletes competed in running and walking events, as well as softball and long jump.

Medals and ribbons were awarded for athlete participation in all events.

Alan Stewart from Kittanning participates in the softball throw. Alan won a gold medal for this event.

Program Manager of SOPA A/I Mary Jane Ramer helped organize the event and was pleased with the reaction from the athletes, volunteers and spectators.

“The athletes’ pleasure was evident by their excitement.  One of the spectators was very pleased with the event.  She said she would come back as often as possible since she had such a good time,” Ramer said.

There was also a basket raffle, 50/50 drawing and a bake sale at the event.  All profits raised will be returned to the SOPA A/I program to fund future events.

Great Shamokin Path 5K Winners Recognized

Eight participants in the Great Shamokin Path 5K April 13 took home trophies after winning or being in the top three of their category. Pictured above include : (L-R with their finishing time) 4th place Sally Peace, (3rd place not pictured Kerry Harding), 2nd place (first WS female) Leah Baum, 1st Megan Risinger 24:02, 1st place male Peter Foradora 19:24, 2nd Doug Craft, 3rd Dwight Boddorf, 1st WS male Josh Davis