TERRE HAUTE —
Athletes from all across the state gathered in Terre Haute Friday for the opening day of the 2012 Summer Games of the Indiana Special Olympics.
Track and field events, volleyball, powerlifting, bocce, cycling and aquatics were just some of the competitive sports taking place Friday on the campuses of Indiana State University and the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
In all, more than 2,600 athletes were expected to participate in the games, which will take place all day today and conclude Sunday about noon.
“We have more people at the summer games than ever before,” said Dana Winklepleck, who served as emcee for the opening ceremonies Friday evening in Hulman Center. “Everyone is ready for an incredible weekend.”
Athletes, coaches and trainers from Indiana’s 92 counties filled more than half of the seats in Hulman Center for the opening ceremony, which was to be followed by a dance later in the evening.
Today, athletes will compete in several events at ISU and Rose-Hulman. Bowling is also taking place today at the Terre Haute Bowling Center. Activities will conclude tonight with a “victory dance” and closing ceremonies, followed by a movie.
It took about 60 minutes Friday evening to introduce the numerous teams at this year’s games. The introductions were accompanied by music and cheers from enthusiastic family and friends, many holding cameras and returning the waves of athletes on the floor below. Each athlete wore a colorful T-shirt matching those of the others from his or her county or team.
“It’s been great,” said Sarah Boyd, an athlete from Indianapolis who competed Friday in shot put, running long jump and the 100-meter sprint. Boyd, who has competed for at least the past 10 years and scored a first place Friday, said she will compete in the 100-meter race again today.
“I’m seeing all my friends,” Boyd said when asked what she enjoyed most about the summer games.
A huge hit during the opening ceremonies was the performance of the Chicago Boyz Acrobatic Team, which dazzled the audience with flying leaps from a small trampoline and a jump rope routine that included acrobats jumping multiple ropes at one time while performing impressive dance moves.
The audience also cheered the 181st Intelligence Wing, which presented the American flag for the National Anthem and for the Indiana State University cheerleading squad, which led the athletes in clapping to the ISU fight song.
For more information about the Indiana Special Olympics and also the remaining events in the 2012 summer games, visit soindiana.org.
Reporter Arthur Foulkes can be reached at (812) 231-4232 or arthur.foulkes@tribstar.com.
Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza
Local & Bistate
Related Photos
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Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza Shot of gold: James Lawley of Terre Haute shows the gold medal he received for his efforts in the shot put Friday at Marks Field in the Indiana Special Olympics.
Discussion
2,600 ready to compete in Special Olympics
Events taking place at ISU, Rose-Hulman
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