Indiana Special Olympics Director of Programs Buzz Lail, left, and Kosciusko County Special Olympic Coordinator Becky Walls stand with Brooklyn Deal after Deal achieved top honors during the Summer Olympics, which were held virtually in 2020. Photo provided

Press Release

WARSAW – Special Olympic athletes from Kosciusko County participated in the Indiana State Summer Special Olympics Games virtually due to the pandemic.

A total of 51 Indiana counties participated in this year’s Summer Games with a virtual Opening Ceremony on June 12, corresponding to the planned opening day. The challenge started on June 13 and ended on July 20. The Closing Ceremonies took place virtually on July 25.

It total, 45 athletes along with volunteers and coaches participated from Kosciusko County.

Athletes completed three sporting and two health and wellness events for the first half and four sporting and two health and wellness events in the second half of the games. Athletes were awarded points in the events for individual recognition and total points were accumulated for the county to compete in their division. Physical distancing and masks were required as needed to meet Covid-19 safety requirements.

Kosciusko County athletes won first place in the ‘D’ Division. The ‘D’ Division included the following counties: Decatur, Elkhart, Hancock, Huntington, Jay, Kosciusko, Marion Northeast and Wayne.

There were virtual dances after the opening ceremony, completion of the first half of competition and a “victory” dance after the closing ceremonies. Everyone enjoyed themselves and others dancing using Zoom.

Becky Walls, Kosciusko County Coordinator would like to thank all the local volunteers and coaches that helped make this possible and the Indiana Special Olympic organization for their superb effort in organizing this unique venue in light of the COVID-19 situation.

Corn Toss and Fitness Club are currently beginning activities for local Special Olympic athletes.