Ezra Brooks Makes More History For Clarion County Special Olympics, Claims Four Powerlifting Gold Medals At SOPA State Games At Villanova; Information On How You Can Become Involved In Special Olympics Included In Article

Above photos, video stills, and links to videos courtesy of Tom Burleigh, Tanya Brooks and Prince Brooks

Ezra Brooks has been on one wild ride in his pursuit of powerlifting dreams in 2023, while making history on the way, as the first ever Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) Clarion County to compete in powerlifting for the local chapter, in the sport that was just added this year.

Ezra began by representing Team Clarion, in the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Western Fall Sectional at Slippery Rock University on Sunday, September 25th, where he came away with two Gold and one Silver medals, in his division in Category 2.

With that milestone in hand, Ezra moved on to the SOPA State Games at the Fall Festival at Villanova University which ran Friday, November 3rd through Sunday, November 5th.

The Festival brings together more than 1,200 athletes and coaches in bocce, flag football, roller skating, long distance running/walking, powerlifting, soccer, and volleyball, along with 3,000 volunteers and is regarded as the largest university student-run Special Olympics event in the world.

Ezra competed on Friday, where he set personal and SOPA Clarion County records in the 130 pound Junior: 19-23 weight class for His each of his two lifts, Bench Press and Deadlift and the Combination Total. They may be SOPA state records also, depending on how they recognize the lifts. Athletes compete in divisions according to gender, weight class, age, and ability, but weight is the primary determinant according to SOPA rules.

This year there were only two divisions within Ezra’s weight class, 130 Junior: 19-23 weight class and the the 24-39 division for Combo. the 24-39 division, for Combo. Ezra was in the 130 Junior: 19-23 weight class for Combo, while the athlete he competed against at Slippery Rock, Andrew Engler, was in the 24-39 division for this meet.

Ezra’s top lifts were: Bench Press 57.1kg/126lbs and Deadlift 92.07kg/203lbs. His two lift total for Combo was 149.17Kg/329lbs.

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.

Mother and coach Tanya said, “Ezra received all white lights on all of his lifts (which means each of the three judges passed them). Ezra looked really good and his confidence and form were on point.

“He made an attempt at 210 pounds on deadlift at Forell’s during his last workout but he wasn’t able to complete it, but I believe with all the adrenaline pumping and how he pulled 203 right up, that he could’ve completed 210 easily.”

She shared something about Ezra’s dedication to the sport. “I’m proud of Ezra’s dedication to improving and his ability to take instruction. He doesn’t always want to go to the gym, but once he’s in there and starts socializing with all the big guys, who help to motivate him, he gets into it and he never regrets going.”

Ezra had his own cheering section. Tanya mentioned, “It was really great to have support from the Burleigh crew, who are more like family. It was like having a piece of home with us. I think anytime you can involve kids in a program like the Special Olympics it helps to break down barriers and humanize people that might be a little different.” 

And SOPA had much more great events besides the competition.

Tanya shared this in-depth look into some of the great things offered to the athletes. “This was the 35th year of Fall Fest at Villanova and the entire event was put together by the Villanova student body. And I can’t say enough about what the students did to support and accommodate the needs of the athletes and coaches.

“All of the extracurricular activities and dining were centrally located, including the opening Ceremony at Finneran Pavilion Arena, games, snacks, and crafts by 50+ student organizations, along with a freshman flash mob dance crew and DJ in O-Town.

“There was a party for all the athletes on Saturday night with two tents, one with a DJ and dancing and one low sensory tent (by request the previous year) for bingo and an outdoor movie option. The athletes were treated to tables of hot chocolate, apple cider, chips, Philly Pretzel Factory Soft Pretzels, and ice cream.

“The DJ is an entrepreneur with Trisomy 21 that has been a operating his own DJ service independently in Pennsylvania for over 20 years.

“Ezra only had one day of competition so he was able to take in all there was to offer. that included the Healthy Athlete stations throughout Driscoll Hall. The athletes could participate in FUNfitness (physical therapy), Healthy Hearing (audiology), Health Promotion (better health and wellness), Opening Eyes (vision), Strong Minds (adaptive coping skills), Special Smiles (dentistry) and Fit Feet ( podiatry).

“Ezra was able to complete all five, so he was entered to win an XBOX.

“Ezra received a free pair of sneakers from The Finish Line for completing all 5 stations and 2 free pairs for prescription glass from the vision screening.” 

When asked what he liked most about Fall Fest, Ezra said, “I like to party and make friends and my powerlifting competition.”

Asked if he was happy with his performance, Ezra commented, “Yes, because I did my best and try to do my best in everything.”

He shared that he wants to participate in more competitions. And what is Ezra’s favorite lift? “Deadlift is my favorite, because I feel strong.”

The ultimate goal is for Ezra to compete in the The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, which is expected to bring together 4,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and 75,000 fans from all 50 states.

Tanya said, “I believe the only way to qualify for the 2026 US Olympics game is to do so within the competition year, so in the fall of 2025 Ezra will have the opportunity to qualify for the 2026 Summer Olympic Games in Minnesota and that is the goal! Hopefully, by then, Clarion will have more athletes competing that could potentially qualify as well.” 

What is the biggest joy Tanya receives from Ezra’s competing, “I’m most proud of Ezra’s display of genuine sportsmanship. He cheers on all the competitors with enthusiastic high-fives and fist bumps and really enjoys the social aspect and new friendships he is able to develop within the Special Olympics. And with social media, he can maintain those connections.”

Congratulations to Ezra, Tanya and SOPA Clarion County on this historic achievement!!!! Thanks to contributed photos and videos and video stills!!

Videos of Ezra competing and the Medals Ceremony

Ezra’s Personal Record Bench Press

Ezra’s Personal Record Deadlift

https://www.facebook.com/58401962/videos/pcb.10103319728729395/1989476508097321

https://www.facebook.com/58401962/videos/pcb.10103320931509015/292391603756655

Coaches and Volunteers: Tanya shared how you may help Clarion County Special Olympics

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!

“Clarion County currently has 5 active coaches and/or volunteers, but the program will not progress nor have the capabilities to provide more athletic programs for local athletes without more support from the families and the Clarion County community.

“We are currently halfway through bowling season and the next sport will be basketball set to begin mid- February with Western Sectionals in April and potential for Summer Games at Penn State University in June.

“We would like to bring back bocce, and possibly a distance walking and running program for Fall games next year, but the opportunities for sports are endless and coaches do not require any previous experience or knowledge of the sport to coach.

“All coach volunteers go through a 1-2 hour virtual training, and every sport must complete 8 weeks with at least one practice per week to be eligible to compete in sectionals. These coaching certifications can be transferred to any county or state and the volunteer status is great for a resume!

“The more certified coaches and volunteers we have the more flexibility we can offer to all to avoid volunteer burnout and loss of the local chapter. 

“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, which began 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 the Facebook page: Clarion County Special Olympics.

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”