Bettendorf takes part in Special Olympics

The annual Special Olympics at North Scott High School and Middle School took place last weekend. Bettendorf had nine participants take part this year: Riley Anderson, Sarah Coughlin, Jacob Duran, Jack Gilbride, Sam Judge, Francine Pace, Tyler Smith, Chandler Voeckler, and Bridgette Weis.

“The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities,” according to the Special Olympics.

All Bettendorf athletes participated in the Softball Throw, and a running event. Judge was the only athlete from Bettendorf to participate in the 400M Dash. He received first place and will have the opportunity to go to finals in May.

Each May, Special Olympics Iowa holds a Summer Games competition in Ames for those who received first in their Area Competition. Bettendorf has eight athletes who will qualify to attend finals this May.

During the events, the athletes receive lots of support from family, teachers, and Best Buddies members.

“I loved seeing all their smiling faces after they got done with an event,” said Gabby Manion, a Best Buddies member.

“Everyone should go watch Special Olympics. The event is worth every moment. The events are always fun, and it's great to see people who mean something to you excel at what they enjoy,” said Tienna Trettin, a Best Buddies member.

Learn more about Special Olympics Iowa here.

Softball Throw standings:

• 1st Place: Anderson, Coughlin, Pace, and Smith

• 2nd Place: Duran, Voelcker, and Weis

• 4th Place: Gilbride

• 5th Place: Judge

50M Dash standings:

• 1st Place: Duran, Gilbride, and Smith

• 2nd Place: Anderson and Coughlin

• 3rd Place: Pace

• 4th Place: Weis

• 5th Place: Voelcker