Sports
Maryland Special Olympics Athletes Head to Greece
A pep rally with a red, white and blue theme honored members of team USA before their trip to Athens, Greece, for the Special Olympics World Games.
Athletes from Special Olympics Maryland (SOMD) joined more than 400 others on Saturday evening at the BWI Hilton in Linthicum as part of Special Olympics Team USA. The team gathered in the hotel's main ballroom to participate in a pep rally send-off prior to heading to Athens, Greece, on Sunday for the Special Olympics World Games.
Kelley Schniedwind, a spokeswoman for SOMD, said in a press release, “The send-off pep rally brings together all 50 states’ athletes to move from 'state mode' to 'sports team mode' as they re-join coaches and sport-specific teammates and become Team USA.”
“The theme of the games is a celebration of inclusion of all people from all backgrounds,” continued Schniedwind. “Having Athens host the event allows Special Olympics to honor the historic traditions of ancient Olympic Games, while at the same time celebrate how far the international movement has come.”
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The ballroom was decorated in red, white and blue, and was filled with energy and excitement. Teams such as aquatics, softball and gymnastics paraded down the main aisle, high-fiving spectators as they enthusiastically celebrated their achievements.
Track and field coach Jerry Bridges hails from Greenwood, AR, and spoke excitedly about the upcoming trip to Athens.
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“We will be there for three weeks,” Bridges said. “We leave on the 19th and won't be back until July 5. It should be a really fun time, and we are all so excited to see Greece.”
Maryland athletes playing for Team USA come from all across the state, and Randi Penenburgh, a power lifter, is representing Columbia as part of the team. Residing in Anne Arundel, Howard, Baltimore, Prince George's and St. Mary's counties, the athletes will participate in events such as kayaking, power lifting and bocce ball.
“The entire soccer team is from Maryland,” said Tom Waite, the chief administrative officer for SOMD, who was eager to brag about the accomplishments of the Maryland athletes. “They have all worked hard to get here, and we wish them luck as they join with the other athletes and compete in Athens."
For information about the Maryland athletes competing in the World Games, click here. For updates on Team USA in the World Games, click here.
