These Kosciusko County athletes competed in the bocce competition last weekend at the Special Olympics in Terre Haute. Pictured, from left, are Coach Lucinda Conley, Matt Bammel, Martha Sullivan, Wayne Momeyer, Cheryl Lewis, Norm McPeak, Ron Taylor, Steve Slater, John Ong, Jerry Davis, Kathy Kumfer, Mike Parker, Sabrina Turner and Coach Joe Baranowski.

News Release

WARSAW — More than 2,000 athletes from 56 delegations came from every corner of the state to demonstrate their skills at Indiana Special Olympics State Games held from June 17-19 in Terre Haute.

Kosciusko County sent 23 athletes to this year’s games. Athletes from eight to 89 years old, competed this year. Competition events include bocce, bowling, cycling, horseshoes, powerlifting, soccer, swimming, track and field and volleyball. This was the first full in-person competition since 2019. All attending were excited and happy to get together again, renew friendships and have an enjoyable time.

The opening ceremonies Friday evening were held at the Hulman Center Field House on the Indiana State University campus with athletes, coaches, families, volunteers and special guests. Trampoline jumpers were amazing and excited the crowd.

Morgan Swafford from Kosciusko County was one of a select group of athletes that participated in the lighting of the torch to start the games during the opening ceremonies.

Becky Walls, County Coordinator for Kosciusko County, stated that 23 county athletes participated in the games this year. The athletes competed in the following sports:

Track & Field

• Bronson Brown placed first in the 50M dash, first in the standing long jump and fourth in the softball throw.
• Walter Holtz placed first in the 25M unassisted walk, second in the 50M unassisted walk and third in the softball throw.
• Kevin McPeak placed fourth in the 100M dash and fourth in the mini javelin.
• Shannon Middaugh placed first in the 25M wheelchair slalom, first in the 25M wheelchair race and third in the softball throw.
• Amy Philson placed second in the 100M dash and third in the mini javelin.
• Morgan Swafford placed first in the 100M dash and third in the mini javelin.

The coaches for track and field were Debra Swafford, Robin Seitner and Amy Brown.

Bowling

• Brian Bierly placed second in ramp bowling.
• Robert Svinarich and Sandy Hunter placed first in traditional doubles bowling.
• Lori Kiefer and Scott Frush placed third in traditional doubles bowling.

The coaches for bowling were Lori Pifer and Becky Walls.

Bocce
Bocce team results from their respective flights are as follow:

4-Person Teams
Norm McPeak, Mike Parker, Sabrina Turner, Matt Bammel placed third.
Wayne Momeyer, Ron Taylor, Steve Slator, John Ong placed third.
Jerry Davis, Kathy Kumfer, Martha Sullivan, Cheryl Lewis placed first.

2-Person Teams
Norm McPeak/Mike Parker placed first.
Sabrina Turner/Matt Bammel placed third.
Jerry Davis/ Kathy Kumfer placed second.
Cheryl Lewis/Martha Sullivan placed second.
Wayne Momeyer/ Ron Taylor placed third.
Steve Slater/John Ong placed third.

The coaches for bocce were Joe Baranowski and Lucinda Conley.

County Coordinator Becky Walls wanted to thank all the coaches and volunteers for their hard work and dedication to make this year’s event memorable.

Special Olympics Kosciusko County will start corn toss and flag football practice at Dewamac Park from 5:15 – 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, starting in August.