Sandpoint Special Olympics competes at summer games

LEWISTON — The Sandpoint Special Olympics team traveled south to compete in the 2016 Idaho State Summer Olympics Games in Lewiston, earning a host of medals

“It rained on us for the first hour or two, so we had to do cycling and field events in the rain,” said coach Chris Painter. “The rain tapered off by the time we got to the track events.”

In Cycling, Bob Leichtman won the 250 meter and 500 meter races, and Bradey Scrimsher was second in both the 250 meter and 500 meter races.

In Basketball, Lee Hudson and Robert Hall both won firsts in individual skills and team skills contests, Jackson Barth won a first in team skills and a second in individual skills, and Eliyah Allen was first in team skills and third in individual skills.

In Swimming, Kevin Collins finished second in the 50 meter freestyle and third in the 25 meter freestyle, Emily Merwin was first in the 25 meter backstroke and a second in the 25 meter freestyle, and Missy Laker was second in the 50 meter backstroke and a third in the 50 meter freestyle.

In Track and Field, Ed Williams competed in the Pentathalon. He received first place in the 100 meter dash, 400 meter dash, shot put and running long jump. He was unable to do the high jump due to the wet conditions.

Caitlyn Bayles received a first in both the 10 meter and 30 meter slalom motorized wheelchair events. Chelsie Dennis placed first in the 400 meter and 50 meter slalom motorized wheelchair races.

Haley Thompson, currently our youngest team member at age 10, received first places in the standing long jump, 100 meter dash and 50 meter dash. In men’s events, Roy Burrow earned a second in the 50 meter dash, third in the softball throw and fourth in the 100 meter dash, John Painter placed first in the 400 meter race walk, second in the 100 meter race walk and forth in the men’s softball throw.

In women’s events, Tammy Shivel placed first in the softball throw, 50 meter race walk and 100 meter race walk, Michelle Couldry placed first in her division of the softball throw, first in the 400 meter race walk and second in the 100 meter race walk.

Painter wished to thank the Lewiston Storm for hosting a fun victory dance and party after the games.

“These guys are energetic dancers. You wouldn’t know most of them were up at 3 a.m. to leave for the game and then competed all morning,” described Painter. “I’m proud of all of them, they did so great.”