These are a few of the local athletes who competed in the recent Special Olympics State Summer Games in Columbus. They are from left, Riley Karcher, Summer Smith, Grayson Green, Lyndsie Anspach and Andrew Wright. Not pictured, Austin Boblitt, Michael Fuller, Ivan Green and Caleb Wears.
(Photo submitted)
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The Marysville and Union County Schools Special Olympics team performed well during last weekend’s State Summer Games in Columbus.
Competition took place at two different venues for approximately 3,000 athletes who represented each of the state’s 88 counties.
Bowling matches were held at Sawmill Lanes, while track and field events were conducted at The Ohio State University’s Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.
The opening ceremonies, which were scheduled for Friday evening, were canceled due to inclement weather.
Competition began on Saturday morning.
Several athletes earned second-place silver medals for their efforts in various events.
Those taking runner-up honors were Caleb Wears, bowling; Lyndsie Anspach, softball throw; Summer Smith, softball throw and 50 meter dash; and Andrew Wright, softball throw.
Third-place accolades (bronze) went to Michael Fuller and Ivan Green, bowling; Anspach, 100 meter dash; and Grayson Green, softball throw.
Riley Karcher placed fourth in bowling competition. Austin Boblitt and Green were fourth in the 200 meter dash.
Boblitt was fifth in his division effort in the softball throw.
Wright placed fifth in the 100 meter dash.
“The weekend’s events at Sawmill Lanes and Jessie Owens Memorial stadium were a huge success,” said Robin Wright, who is the Marysville School’s Special Olympics director. “We had great weather and nice temperatures.”