COLUMBUS — Fifty years is a long time to do anything.

On June 23-25, Special Olympics Ohio’s State Summer Games were hosted by Ohio State University for the 50th year.

“This is the gathering of athletes, friends, and families, some who see each other only once a year at this event. This brings an extraordinary amount of contagious joy and camaraderie throughout the weekend,” said Jessica Stewart, Special Olympics Ohio’s President and CEO.

Wood County athletes fared well, winning a plethora of state championships across the board in multiple divisions.

The Wood County Wildcats volleyball team took Silver, losing to Lucas County in the Division I Traditional Team championship.

Wood County powerlifter A.J. Bach took home a Gold medal.

In bocce, the Wood County teams of Mason Gregg-JoLynn Snyder and Barb Markin-Angie Perry took first place. The team of Brooke Coan and Dennis Miller took fourth.

Champions, placers on the track

In track and field, Wood County’s Gavin Coonrod took first in the 800-meter run, fourth in the 400 run and fifth running with the 4×400 relay team.

Kim Fechter took first place in the 800-meter walk, sixth in the 400 run and sixth with the 4×400 relay team.

Joel Hernandez took fourth in the 100-meter run and 200-meter run, and fifth with the 4×400 team.

Melody Hernandez took first in the 100-meter run, second in the 400 run and fourth with the 4×100 relay team.

Tyler Hitt took third in the 1500-meter run, fifth with the 4×400 and sixth in the 800.

Stephanie Kline took first in the 100-meter run, fourth in the 200 and fifth running with the 4×400 relay team.

Virginia Nuzum placed third in the 100 and 200 run. Sawyer Rader took first in the 200 and 400 and sixth in the 4×400 meter relay.

Laura Reimer took first place in the 400 and 800-meter running events. Jason Rupert took first in the 100, third in the 200 and fourth with the 4×400 relay team.

Kathleen “Katie” Rupert placed fourth in the 200 and 400 and sixth with the 4×400 relay.

Trevor Sachs placed fourth with the 4×100 relay team, fifth in the 400, and sixth in the mini-javelin throw.

Anne Schooley placed second in the 100 and 400 meter runs and fourth with the 4×100 relay team.

Abbie Simmons placed first in the 200 run and third in the 400.

Ian Titus placed first in the 200, fourth in the 100, and fifth with the 4×400 relay team.

Other Wood County athletes, including the state runner-up volleyball players, were Alanna Bucksky, Angela Perry, Barb Markin, Branden Aben, Brayndyn Broshious. Brooke Coan, Chad Teneyck, Cory Barnett, Dennis Miller, George Dutton, Jo Lynn Snyder, Jordan Doncoes, Josh Barnett, Kim Paxton, Mason Gregg, Ryan Rath, Trent Murphy, and Zach Parcher.

DeAngelo’s 32nd year

Ohio State University’s Dave DeAngelo, Senior Associate Director, Office of Student Life Recreational Sports; and university liaison for the Summer Games, has been preparing for the organization’s largest state-level annual sporting event for the past 32 years.

“Hosting Summer Games at Ohio State is the highlight of the summer for so many of us at the university. It has been our honor and privilege to host the games,” DeAngelo said.

“The athletes, coaches and families are inspiring to the entire university community. On a personal note, I look back fondly as a 30-plus year volunteer to all the wonderful relationships that have been forged through the power of inclusion and sport.”

Over 3,300 athletes, Unified partners and coaches participate in Traditional and Unified Sports competitions at the State Summer Games, which are presented by The OSU Wexner Medical Center and Health Science Colleges.

Also included were 89 local community-based programs, over 450 coaches, and more than 800 volunteers to support this year’s Summer Games

“The planning road has been long, the training has been hard, and the excitement has been building…but it’s now time…time to celebrate the power of our athletes, time to witness the passion of the human spirit, time to experience the competition of world-class athletes, and time to be inspired as we all open our hearts to a wider world of human talent and potential,” Stewart said.

“We couldn’t be here today without the support of so many people who continuously give of their time, talent, and treasure. Our coaches have inspired and motivated our athletes to accomplish goals some never dreamed possible.”

The games include athletics (track & field), bocce, bowling (off-site), gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, tennis, and volleyball.

“This event is the highlight of the year for many of our athletes as they show off their hard work and training to prepare for this state-level competition,” said Stewart.

“We invite the entire community to come witness the spirit, passion, and dedication of our athletes. You will be inspired.”

In addition to sports competitions, athletes have access to free health screenings and education through the Healthy Athletes program.

Healthy Athletes is not only a program for athletes, but it is also a program for healthcare students and professionals to increase their knowledge of best practices in caring for and communicating with people with ID.

Special Olympics Ohio is part of the global inclusion movement using sport, health, education, and leadership programs to empower people with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics Ohio provides year-round sports training and competition in 19 different sports for 20,000 children and adults, “giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community,” states a press release.