Boothbay Special Olympians compete at state Summer Games
The winning 4 x 100m relay team, from left, Danny Miller, Grace Giles, Joey Ranco and Valerie Giles. Courtesy photo
The third place 4 x 100m relay team, from front, Piper Rankin, Vincent Giles, Ronda LeConte and Peter Brewster. Courtesy photo
Grace Giles, a 400m winner. Courtesy photo
The winning 4 x 100m relay team, from left, Danny Miller, Grace Giles, Joey Ranco and Valerie Giles. Courtesy photo
The third place 4 x 100m relay team, from front, Piper Rankin, Vincent Giles, Ronda LeConte and Peter Brewster. Courtesy photo
Grace Giles, a 400m winner. Courtesy photo
The Boothbay Region Special Olympic Team traveled to University of Maine at Orono June 7-9 for competition in the state Special Olympics Summer Games.
It was the brilliant skill and preparation that led Boothbay's relay teams to Gold and Bronze Medal victories. Team one with Danny Miller, Valerie Giles, Grace Giles and Joey Ranco brought home the gold in a very tough field. Grace passed two competitors and Joey pulled by the last runner to win the Gold. Team two with Peter Brewster, Piper Rankin, Vincent Giles and Ronda LeConte had problems with the first leg of the run and Peter was unable to keep his usual relay run time which left Piper as the last runner to make the first exchange. Once the exchange happened Piper, who had been waiting anxiously, was able to ignite with running power passing three runners to the third exchange. Vincent, then took the third exchange. passed another runner to hand the baton to Ronda who made a fast exchange and came in third helping to win the bronze for the team.
Grace Giles, Ronda LeConte, Valerie Giles and Joey Ranco also took easy 400 meter wins. Grace’s win was 100 meters from the second place finisher. She flew to the finish. Mindy Stevens competed in the 100 meter and Donny Dunning began the javelin which is a new sport for the team.
It was a very busy event filled games and weekend. There was a Parade of Athletes on Friday beginning with the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Knights of Columbus, Firefighters and Kora Temple clowns and displays. A banquet type meal in the dining halls on Saturday evening and the very favorite anticipated, “Neon and Shine" Victory Dance where Blake Chadwick made the rounds dancing up a storm and the other athletes found their old friends from other teams and made new ones. Sunday was the Mile Runs for Males and Females and the Closing Ceremonies.
All athletes had a great time and can’t wait till next year. Summer will bring a golf "Tee it Up Scramble “ for Joey Ranco, Valerie Giles, Don and Lisa Dickson. Ronda LeConte and Valerie will also prepare for singles tennis in August.
