The Special Olympics Kosciusko County bowling representatives at the State Games included, in front, Jim Nuell, and in the back row Bobbie Pelfrey, Amy Morris, Brian Bierly and Bethany Rohrer. (Photos provided)

TERRE HAUTE – Almost 2,900 athletes, including several athletes from Kosciusko County, participated in the 2019 Indiana Special Olympics Summer Games.

This year’s Games were memorable as Special Olympics Indiana celebrated its 50-year anniversary.

The opening ceremonies filled the Hulman Center Fieldhouse on the Indiana State University (ISU) campus with athletes, coaches, families, volunteers and special guests. Athletes received 50th anniversary shirts and commemorative medals and were greeted by Special Olympics officials, ISU athletes as well as cheerleaders, law enforcement and military personnel as they entered the arena.

Becky Walls, area director for Special Olympics Indiana Kosciusko County, stated that 42 county athletes participated in the games this year. The athletes competed in the following sports:

Track & Field
Amy Philson, Jacob Green, Morgan Swafford, Timothy Warner-Guile, Antonio Drummond, Erica Mifflin, Steven Slater, Joe Bradley, Lori Kiefer, Donnie Lopez, Shannon Middaugh, Michelle Brubaker, Nona Bliton, Marjorie Hamilton, Cheryl Lewis.

Bowling
Jim Nuell, Brian Bierly, Amy Morris, Anthony DeGaetano, Robert Svinarich, James Mornout, Crystal Redman, John Ong, Sandy Bibler, Mary Kay Bess, Sabrina Turner.

Bocce
Matt Bammel, Derrick Dausman, Mike Parker, Ruby French, Scott Frush, Sandy Hunter, Kathy Kumfer, Kevin McPeak, Norm McPeak, Martha Sullivan, Ron Taylor, Gale Vanator, Elizabeth Wabol, Dustin Wentzel, Brandon Bee, Wayne Momeyer.

Special Olympics Kosciusko County will start corn toss and flag football practice at Dewamac Park on July 9 at 6 p.m. in preparation for the Special Olympics Eunice Kennedy Shriver games scheduled for Sept. 8 at Indianapolis Brebeuf High School.