Special Olympics Ohio’s State Summer Games – the largest Special Olympics event held in Ohio – are set
for June 28-30 in Columbus.
More than 2,500 athletes from 65 of Ohio’s 88 counties are in training for the 2014 competition and for
the opportunity to earn coveted medals.
Wood County will be represented.
Most competition venues are on the campus of Ohio State University. The games bring together athletes for
competition in 11 sports: aquatics, athletics (track and field), bocce, bowling, cycling, gymnastics,
power lifting, roller skating, soccer, tennis and volleyball.
Opening ceremonies on June 27 include nearly all of the participating athletes, a Parade of Athletes
featuring representative athletes and coaches, and the entrance into the stadium and the lighting of the
"Flame of Hope" which burns throughout the games. The flame is lit after Law Enforcement Torch
Run officials hand off the flame to the athletes, and the lighting of the flame officially signifies the
opening of the games.
Special Olympics Ohio provides year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with
intellectual disabilities, giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage
and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their own families,
other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
All events are free and open to the public.
Wood County athletes include: Aaron Baker, Christine Black, Daniel Bowen, Samantha Buck, Alanna Bucksky,
Nikki Bucksky, Sara Burrell, George Dutton, Kim Fechter, Kalie Fisher, Kristin Fisher, Melissa Frizado,
Mason Gregg, Paula Heffelfinger, Tyler Hitt, John Kuhbander, Michael Nietz, Ryan Rath, Trevor Sachs,
Abbey Sattler, Stephen Scholl, Anne Schooley, Jo Lynn Snyder and Jacob West.