Ezra Brooks Makes History For Clarion County Special Olympics At Western Fall Sectional At Slippery Rock; Information On How You Can Become Involved In Special Olympics Included In Article
Photos by Tanya and Prince Brooks – Above: Ezra proudly competed for TEAM CLARION!
Ezra Brooks representing Team Clarion, made some history in the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Western Fall Sectional at Slippery Rock University on Sunday, September 25th. This year for the first time, the sport of powerlifting was contested. Ezra was the only SOPA Clarion County athlete to compete in the sport.
Ezra has trained for several years under the tutelage of his uncle, well known area personal trainer Eain Brooks, along with Ezra’s mother and Clarion County Special Olympics coach Tanya Brooks, who is also the local chapter’s fundraising coordinator.
Tanya said, “I did ask a few other athletes that have some experience with lifting if they wanted to try it out, but they passed. I’m hoping once some of our athletes have the opportunity to see the event in action, they will want to participate next year, but we will need more coaches to make that a reality.”
Several other sports were contested, volleyball, bocce, flag football and soccer.
Tanya shared, “Clarion is in the process of rebuilding the local program, so we did not take volleyball or bocce this year. Moving forward we would like to add some new sports such as swimming for Spring games and restart bocce next August.”
The powerlifting competition, as well as opening ceremonies, took place in Morrow Field House. Two highlights of the event were the torch bearing and lighting of the caldron by athletes and first responders, and an appearance by the Slippery Rock University cheerleaders.
Video of Lighting Ceremony:
https://www.facebook.com/58401962/videos/pcb.10103291986964115/826431959122682
Video of SRU Cheerleaders:
https://www.facebook.com/58401962/videos/pcb.10103291986964115/340882004962061
So Ezra, along with all the other powerlifters, were already part of history. But Ezra was going to make more history, by becoming the local chapter’s first ever medal winner and first ever champion, garnering one Silver and two Gold Medals, in Category 2.
Ezra’s Silver Medal came in the deadlift, where he hoisted 65kg or 143.3lbs.
Video of Ezra in the deadlift:
https://www.facebook.com/58401962/videos/pcb.10103292857050455/275070582114824
Ezra earned the Gold Medal in the bench press, with a top lift of 49.8kgs or 110lbs. He scratched on the 115, but did complete the lift.
Video of Ezra in the bench press:
https://www.facebook.com/58401962/videos/pcb.10103292857050455/1035210444147056
The total of Ezra’s Combined Gold was 114.8kg or 258lbs.
Twenty-nine powerlifters competed in this first ever event.
About competing in the first ever Western Section Fall Festival Powerlifting Meet and being Clarion’s first ever medal winner and champion, Ezra said, “It feels great and I love it.”
Ezra also stated, “It was fun to see all the people at the event. All the guys and girls did good lifting. I made friends with people who have Down Syndrome like me.”
Tanya shared, “I’m proud of Ezra and all of his accomplishments. He’s not always in the mood to practice, but he loves to compete and always displays genuine sportsmanship, and I’m most proud of him for that!”
Amy Mays, Team Leader for Clarion County Special Olympics, is very happy for Ezra. She said, “I am so excited and proud of Ezra for his success in powerlifting this year! He continues to amaze me with his drive and determination! Ezra is a perfect example of what Special Olympics can bring to individuals in our community!”
Ezra has the opportunity to move on to the State Games at the Fall Festival at the Villanova University which will run Friday, November 3rd through Sunday, November 5th, which brings together more than 1,200 athletes and coaches in bocce, flag football, long distance running/walking, powerlifting, soccer, and volleyball.
Tanya said, “We are currently awaiting confirmation for an added allocation spot for Ezra, due to a system error that removed his name from the list. Hopefully, SOPA can make a way for him to compete this year.”
The ultimate goal is for Ezra to compete in the The 2026 Special Olympics USA Summer in the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.
The National Championship is expected to bring together 4,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and 75,000 fans from all 50 states.
As for the local chapter’s powerlifting future, Tanya said, “… Clarion County Special Olympics will need more powerlifting coaches for next Fall in order to grow this new program! Must be 1:4 ratio for all sports!
“Also, athletes will have an opportunity to participate in a Powerlifting competition at the University of Pittsburgh in the Spring and I would like to get coaches in place for a team!
“Contact me for info to become a volunteer coach. Must be 18+ to be a Powerlifting coach.”
Information on big plans for SOPA Clarion and how you can help:
Clarion is in the process of rebuilding the local program, so we did not take volleyball or bocce this year. Moving forward we would like to add some new sports such as swimming for Spring games and restart bocce next August.
Clarion County is currently focused on registering athletes and coaches for bowling, set to begin at Knox lanes on October 8th. Athletes wishing to participate in all sports must now be pre-registered. The following is the link to register https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSe07djpsvMjff…/viewform or they can contact GM Amy Mays for assistance.
All information on sports can be found on our facebook page: Clarion County Special Olympics.
Clarion Special Olympics is currently getting ready to begin the first bowling season post COVID! Prior to our program shutting down for a few years, we were really struggling with the lack of volunteers, coaches and finances. This has become even more of a concern as we begin rebuilding the program in Clarion County.
Amy issued this call for local involvement and support, “Clarion Special Olympics is in a significant need of regular volunteers and donations to be able to sustain our program throughout 2024. We have big ideas to add a couple sports programs and hopefully going to the State Games for basketball! To do so, we will need our community support again.
“You can find more information on our website: www.specialolympics.org
“Follow our local program on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clarionsopa
“Reach us via email:sopaclarion@gmail.com
“Send Donations to: P.O. Box 10, Clarion, PA 16214
“Contact Team Leader, Amy Mays: 727-409-0392”
(Congratulations to Ezra, Tanya and Team Clarion!!!! Thanks to Tanya and Prince for the photos!!!! Please consider how you can help Clarion County Special Olympics.)