Special Olympics-Team Clarion Has Several Athletes Advancing To Fall Festival State Championships, Team Had Fine Showing At States

Photos submitted Team Clarion

A number of athletes from Special Olympics-Team Clarion will be advancing to the Fall Festival State Championships, which takes place at Villanova University, from Sunday through Tuesday, November 7th – 9th.

According to Special Olympics Pennsylvania, “The three-day competition 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 highlight the weekend. Weeks of hard work and dedication in training is rewarded as athletes are cheered on and supported during competition by more than 3,000 enthusiastic volunteers.”

The local athletes that are headed to states are moving on by virtue of their fine performances, at the Western Fall Sectionals held at Slippery Rock University on Sunday, September 28th.

The number of athletes that move on is determined by the number of slots assigned to the various events at states.

Ezra Brooks will be moving on in the Powerlifting Competition where he will compete in both the bench press and deadlift.

Iva Slee, Kayla Reisinger and Vanessa Reisingeer will move on in the Volleyball Skills Competition. The skills include setting, bumping and serving.

There were a number of athletes that medaled at sectionals.

Gold: Iva, Kayla, Electra Rowland, Roan McKissick and Ezra.

Silver: Adi Gunter, Shirley Haggerty, Roan McKissick.

Bronze: Wesley Sweet, Bryn Beary.

Shirley and Iva carried the Team Clarion Banner during the Opening Ceremonies.

Coach Emily Brent shared, “A great season watching the athletes grow in their skills. We are looking forward to continuing to move toward competing in the games division. “

(Congratulations, Team Clarion!!!!)