Sandpoint Special Olympians shine at state games

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Special Olympics team posted a strong showing recently at the Idaho State Summer Olympics in Moscow, representing their hometown with pride.

In Track and Field, Caitlyn Bayles won a Bronze in the tennis ball throw and a Gold in the 10 meter motorized wheel chair event. Michelle Couldry won a Bronze in the women’s softball throw and a Silver in the 400 meter walk.

Tammy Shivel won Gold in the women’s softball throw and Bronze in the 50 meter race walk. Local 9 year-old Hayley Thompson won a Silver in a very close 50 yard dash and a Gold in the standing long jump. Stacy Black won a gold in the 400 meter walk and the 800 meter walk. Robyn Dillworth placed fourth in the 800 meter walk and earned Bronze in the women’s softball throw.

Natasha Freeberg finished fourth in the 50 meter dash and won Bronze in the 100 meter dash. Chelsie Dennis won Gold in both the 50 meter motorized wheelchair slalom and the 400 meter wheelchair race.

And John Painter rounded out the track finishes by winning Silver in both the men’s softball throw and the 100 meter race walk.

Sandpoint also sent a strong contingent into the pool, with Lillian Campbell winning Gold in the 25 meter freestyle and Silver in the 50 meter freestlye. Missy Laker won Gold in the 50 meter freestyle and Silver in the 50 meter backstroke.

Cara Warren won Gold in the 15 meter assisted swim and Silver in the 10 meter walk. Kevin Collins won Silver in both the 25 meter freestyle and the 50 meter freestyle. Team member Ashley Lengyel was unable to make it down to compete.

In Cycling, 12 year-old Bradey Scrimsher won Gold in the 250 meter and the 500 meter race. Bob Leichtman also won Gold in his division of the 250 meter and the 500 meter race

Led by the strong scoring of Lee Hudson, the basketball team was in a pair of games, both of which they lost 20-18. Hudson scored 10 points in one game and 12 in another, while Sahl Underwood added six points, and Elihay ALlen and Brandon Beck four points apiece.