Ezra Brooks Claims Three Powerlifting Gold Medals, Representing Clarion County Special Olympics At 36th Annual Fall Fest At Villanova University; Information On How You Can Become Involved In Special Olympics Included In Article

Above photo by Prince Brooks – 32 1/2 Productions: Ezra and his fellow competitor and friend, Brenden

Ezra Brooks earned three powerlifting Gold Medals, as he represented Clarion County Special Olympics the 36th annual Fall Fest (Pennsylvania State Special Olympics championships), held at Villanova University, Friday through Sunday, November 1st through 3rd. The three-day event is hosted and organized by Villanova University students and is the largest annual student-run Special Olympics event in the world. Fall Festival brings together more than 1,200 athletes and coaches. Competition in bocce, flag football, long distance running/walking, powerlifting, soccer, and volleyball are highlight the weekend.

Weeks of hard work and dedication in training is rewarded as athletes are cheered on and supported during the competition by more than 3,000 enthusiastic volunteers.

Ezra’s mother and coach, Tanya Brooks shared the following:

This was the year for Ezra to qualify for the 2026 US Games in Minnesota. It’s a lottery pick with only 2 spots available and the athletes who win Gold at State games are added to the pool.

Powerlifting was held on Friday and Saturday. Ezra competed on Friday in bench press and deadlift. Ezra benched 153, which would’ve been a competition Personal Record, but was signaled an unsuccessful lift by the judges due to an up and down motion Ezra made at the start of his lift. Ezra was disappointed, but was content with the 143 pound max.

Ezra had a competition personal record in the deadlift with 253. He started his overall lifts 10 pounds heavier with 230 for his first lift and 245 for his second.

Ezra won Gold medals in bench, deadlift and combo.

The Day 2 events consisted of the trio of squat, bench press and deadlift, so I wasn’t sure how many over-all lifters would be included in Ezra’s division for bench and deadlift, or if the weights were enough to put him on the podium. All I know is he trained hard and that he did his very best, so it was exciting and emotional, as his mom and coach to see him win the Gold.

Ezra’s competitor and silver medalist, Brendan, representing Area M, is only 19 and this was his first year as a powerlifter. He’s an amazing young man and competitor, and has a bright future in powerlifting.

Ezra received the Spirit Award for being the most supportive and lifting others up during competition. This award makes me emotional because it embodies the spirit of who Ezra is as a person and athlete!

Quote from Ezra – I’m happy to win 3 gold medals. I didn’t get my PR on the bench, but I will do it next time. I was so excited about my PR in deadlift. All my friends cheered for me.

I like to cheer for all my friends and make them happy. I said, you do your best. You can do it. I had fun dancing and playing games with friends, too.

Team Clarion Coaches and Volunteers are so proud of Ezra’s accomplishments at Fall Fest and how Ezra represents Team Clarion.

Team Clarion would also like to thank all the sponsors that helped to support the Clarion County Special Olympics this Fall. We will be launching a “Sponsor an Athlete” campaign right after the new year, which will allow individuals and businesses to personally sponsor the needs of the athletes, so be sure to follow the Clarion County Special Olympics Facebook page for more details.

https://www.facebook.com/clarionsopa

Ezra had this to say, “I’m happy to win 3 gold medals. I didn’t get my PR on the bench, but I will do it next time. I was so excited about my PR in deadlift. All my friends cheered for me.

“I like to cheer for all my friends and make them happy. I said, you do your best. You can do it.

“I had fun dancing and playing games with friends, too.”

(Congratulations To Ezra and Clarion County Special Olympics!!!! Very Proud Of You Ezra!!!! Thank you to Tanya Brooks for this article and to Tanya and Prince Brooks – 32 1/2 Productions for the photos!!)

Clarion County Special Olympics needs more volunteers in order to attend due to the 1/4 ratio of coaches and athletes.

Contact information to volunteer:

Amy Mays
Amymmays@gmail.com

Emily Brent
Emmy_1296@yahoo.com

Clarion County Special Olympics
P.O Box 10
Clarion, Pa 16214