CARTERVILLE — Several athletes from our area recently had the chance to go to Bloomington and compete in the Special Olympics Summer Games.
The group included a trio from Carterville–Lexi Cox, who will be a senior, as well as a pair of soon to be 6th graders, Max Silva and Ashlynn Hicks.
All three competed in the softball throw–Lexi finished sixth in her group, Max third, and Ashlynn won her group. Max and Ashlynn also competed in the 50 meter dash with Max finishing fifth and Ashlynn second.
All three say the Summer Games experience was awesome, adding that they hope to make it again.
If you have pictures or video of a Special Olympian from the region at the Summer Games in Bloomington, please send it to us! If you have the Section618 app, you can simply upload through the app. You can also send it via the Section618 social media pages or email darren@mywithersradio.com. Please include name, age, event(s), and how they placed.
Special Olympics Summer Games 2023
Special Olympics Summer Games
Christian Rister competed in Bloomington at the Special Olympics Summer Games. He won 1st in the 50 meter dash. Christian will be a freshman this year at Hamilton County Senior High School. He has competed at the Summer Games before as a 4th grader and won gold in the same event. (Photo submitted by Jennifer Rister)
Special Olympics Summer Games
Our Directions All-Stars
Special Olympics Summer Games
Our Directions All-Stars
Special Olympics Summer Games
Our Directions All-Stars
Special Olympics Summer Games
Our Directions All-Stars
Special Olympics Summer Games
Our Directions All-Stars
Special Olympics Summer Games
Our Directions All-Stars
Special Olympics Summer Games
Opening Ceremonies of Special Olympics Illinois State Summer Games was ah-mazing!!! Richie, Preston, and Coach Ferguson represented Mt. Vernon Township High School with Region K in the Parade of Athletes. Neo and Coach Clodi saved seats in the stands. The Woodrome family made a fantastic cheering section!
Special Olympics Summer Games
Opening Ceremonies of Special Olympics Illinois State Summer Games was ah-mazing!!! Richie, Preston, and Coach Ferguson represented Mt. Vernon Township High School with Region K in the Parade of Athletes. Neo and Coach Clodi saved seats in the stands. The Woodrome family made a fantastic cheering section!
Special Olympics Summer Games
Opening Ceremonies of Special Olympics Illinois State Summer Games was ah-mazing!!! Richie, Preston, and Coach Ferguson represented Mt. Vernon Township High School with Region K in the Parade of Athletes. Neo and Coach Clodi saved seats in the stands. The Woodrome family made a fantastic cheering section!
Special Olympics Summer Games
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) raised $4.5 million for Special Olympics Illinois this year!! They truly are the Guardians of the Flame of Hope because without them, all of this would not be possible. Thank YOU if you have ever donated to a Polar Plunge, Cop on the Rooftop event at Dunkin
Special Olympics Summer Games
All of the athletes visited Healthy Athletes! They received Gatorade drink packs for water, bandanas, and fruit at the Hydration Station. They received dental and hearing screenings at Special Smiles and Healthy Hearing Stations. They also received vision exams at the Healthy Eyes Station. Preston and his parents picked out prescription sports googles for him to wear while playing basketball this coming year. All for FREE!!!! (Submitted by Megan Clodi)
Special Olympics Summer Games
All of the athletes visited Healthy Athletes! They received Gatorade drink packs for water, bandanas, and fruit at the Hydration Station. They received dental and hearing screenings at Special Smiles and Healthy Hearing Stations. They also received vision exams at the Healthy Eyes Station. Preston and his parents picked out prescription sports googles for him to wear while playing basketball this coming year. All for FREE!!!! (Submitted by Megan Clodi)
Special Olympics Summer Games
All of the athletes visited Healthy Athletes! They received Gatorade drink packs for water, bandanas, and fruit at the Hydration Station. They received dental and hearing screenings at Special Smiles and Healthy Hearing Stations. They also received vision exams at the Healthy Eyes Station. Preston and his parents picked out prescription sports googles for him to wear while playing basketball this coming year. All for FREE!!!! (Submitted by Megan Clodi)
Special Olympics Summer Games
Day 1 Recap:Richie earned a 5th place ribbon for his 400M Run after tripping on the fourth turn but getting right back up to finish strong!Preston earned a 6th place ribbon for his Standing Long Jump. (Submitted by Megan Clodi)
Special Olympics Summer Games
Day 1 Recap:Richie earned a 5th place ribbon for his 400M Run after tripping on the fourth turn but getting right back up to finish strong!Preston earned a 6th place ribbon for his Standing Long Jump. (Submitted by Megan Clodi)
Special Olympics Summer Games
Day 1 Recap:Richie earned a 5th place ribbon for his 400M Run after tripping on the fourth turn but getting right back up to finish strong!Preston earned a 6th place ribbon for his Standing Long Jump. (Submitted by Megan Clodi)
Special Olympics Summer Games
Day 2 Recap:Richie started us off with a Gold medal (1st) in Mini-Javelin!Neo received a participant ribbon for his 50M Run. It was hard to stay in his lane with so many distractions. However, he pulled out a Gold medal (1st) for his Softball Throw event!Preston finished us off with an 8th place ribbon for his 100M Run. He was in a tough division with some fantastic runners!We are so proud of these gentlemen who have been wonderful competitors and teammates! They have represented Mt. Vernon Township High School very well!The Rams celebrated with a pizza party at Monical
Special Olympics Summer Games
Day 2 Recap:Richie started us off with a Gold medal (1st) in Mini-Javelin!Neo received a participant ribbon for his 50M Run. It was hard to stay in his lane with so many distractions. However, he pulled out a Gold medal (1st) for his Softball Throw event!Preston finished us off with an 8th place ribbon for his 100M Run. He was in a tough division with some fantastic runners!We are so proud of these gentlemen who have been wonderful competitors and teammates! They have represented Mt. Vernon Township High School very well!The Rams celebrated with a pizza party at Monical
Special Olympics Summer Games
Day 2 Recap:Richie started us off with a Gold medal (1st) in Mini-Javelin!Neo received a participant ribbon for his 50M Run. It was hard to stay in his lane with so many distractions. However, he pulled out a Gold medal (1st) for his Softball Throw event!Preston finished us off with an 8th place ribbon for his 100M Run. He was in a tough division with some fantastic runners!We are so proud of these gentlemen who have been wonderful competitors and teammates! They have represented Mt. Vernon Township High School very well!The Rams celebrated with a pizza party at Monical
