Special Olympics Indiana – Marshall-Starke County is reporting a busy fall season so far, with athletes participating in seven sports, including three being offered by the program for the first time.
The new sports this year are Girls FIBA 3×3 Unified Basketball, golf and distance Run/Walk.
The program recently completed its equestrian season at the State Equestrian Competition at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds. Nine Marshall-Starke County athletes competed August 15th with horses provided by the Golden Horseshoe Saddle Club.
Altogether, the team earned 37 medals: including 16 gold, 15 silver and six bronze, in individual and team events.
Marshall-Starke County also sent its first Girls Unified team to the State FIBA 3×3 Basketball Tournament in Indianapolis on August 21st. The team of Mariah Leininger, Juniper Masterson, Kasey Jones and Unified Partners Tammy San Nicolas and Jackie Ziaja finished in third place.
Several more competitions are scheduled in the coming weeks.
The Softball Skills Team will compete in the Area 1 Sectional Competition in Mishawaka, with an opportunity to advance to the State Softball Tournament. The Marshall-Starke County Wildcats Softball Team received a bye and will advance directly to the state tournament in Greenwood September 12th.
The program’s new Unified Golf team will compete at Moss Creek Golf Course in Winamac for an opportunity to advance to the State Tournament in Greenwood September 13th. Individual golfer Thomas Hayes will advance directly to the state competition.
The Cornhole Team will compete in sectionals at Caston High School September 20th, with an opportunity to advance to the State Competition in Westfield October 4th. According to the organization, this year’s cornhole team is the largest in the local program’s history.
The Thundercats Flag Football Team and the new Distance Run/Walk team are also scheduled to compete at state competitions in Westfield October 4th.
Assistant Coordinator Joe Short said the program is proud of the growth of its sports offerings and the sportsmanship demonstrated by athletes this season.
Those interested in learning more about Special Olympics Indiana – Marshall-Starke County can meet program representatives at the Knox Library September 8th from 5 to 7pm Central Time. Information will be available for those interested in volunteering, coaching, becoming a Unified Partner or otherwise supporting the program.
