Sandpoint Special Olympians fare well at Winter Games
(Courtesy photos) The Sandpoint Special Olympics winter team, pictured from left to right at the recent Northern State Games: John Painter, Dharma Crawford, Bradey Scrimsher, Hayley Thompson, Ashley Lengyle, coach Chris Painter and Natasha Freeberg.
(Courtesy photo) Bradey Scrimsher crosses the finish line in the 50 meter Nordic race for the Sandpoint team.
Penguin Plunge fundraiser on tap Saturday
SANDPOINT — Sandpoint sent a team of six hearty souls to participate in the Northern Winter State Special Olympics recently, with a host of athletes bringing home medals.
The three youngest athletes competed in Nordic skiing events, with Hayley Thompson winning gold in both the 50 meter and 100 meter races in the under 12 division. In the teen division, Dharma crawford placed first in both the 100 and 50 meters, while Bradey Scrimsher won gold in the 25 meters and silver in the 50.
Three snowshoe racers also competed, with Ashley Lengyle taking gold in the very competitive 50 meter and 100 meter women’s races, Natasha Freeberg earning gold in the 25 meters and silver in the 50 meters, and John Painter earning silver in the 100 and 200 meter men’s events.
“It was a well organized competition and we want to thank all the volunteers who made it happen, with a special thank you to Alana Hunt and Jim McFeeley who put it all together,” said Sandpoint team coach Chris Painter.
The chili cook off, mini kids carnival and other activities will take place at the Sandpoint Community Hall at 1 p.m.
n Penguine Plunge returns
Get ready to take the plunge for Special Olympics in Idaho! The Penguin Plunge is a unique opportunity for individuals, organizations and businesses to support Special Olympics Idaho Athletes by gathering pledges and plunging into icy cold water.
The Sandpoint team will host its annual fundraiser on Saturday, March 10 at City Beach, with registration starting at 11 a.m. and the plunge taking place at noon.
There will be a chili cook off, kids carnival and other activities at 1 p.m. at Sandpoint Community Hall, and prizes for costumes and money raised, including a beach towel for $50, a beanie for $250, a fleece blanket for $500 and a soft cooler for $1,000.
Not up for the Plunge? You can still participate by registering as a Chicken Plunger, who still raises money for Special Olympics Idaho, but does not need to jump in the icy cold water. Chicken Plungers are also eligible for prizes.
To register for the Penguin Plunge, or to make a donation to Sandpoint Special Olympics, visit www.firstgiving.com/idso/2018-sandpoint-penguin-plunge.
For more information, contact Laurie La Follette at llafollette@idso.org.