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Schools

Lacey Special Olympics Team Competes in 2011 Winter Games

A fun day for all as the New Jersey Special Olympics called for some cross country skiing and some smiles all around.

Students took home gold, silver, and bronze medals after the Lacey Township High School Special Olympics Team competed in a weekend of cross country skiing at Mountain Creek in Vernon, New Jersey for the 2011 Winter Games of the Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ).

Not only did Lacey student Katie Hodgsontake, 18, take third place in the 50 meter race, she was also called upon to deliver the Special Olympics Oath as the games started. The Oath reads, "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

"The greatest thing is to see a new athlete complete their first race or a seasoned athlete take your advice and try something new." said Barbara Horter, Lacey Special Olympics Advisor.

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Also great, is seeing some of her students at Lacey help train the athletes called Unified Partners. Seniors Kenny Jordan, 18, Alex Williams, 21, Jerry Coburn, 45, and Terry Devlin, 17, both took home gold medals in the 1K.

Amanda Silletti, 17, and Sarah Zlotek, 17, took second and fourth place, in the 50 meter race, respectively.

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Graduates of Lacey High School are allowed to participate for as long as they wish, in a program called Rosie Runners.

Danny Cherkos, 23, and Ryan Knipple, 20, placed second and fifth, as Rosie Runners in in the 50 meter race.

Beyond the competition and medals, a lot of behind the scenes hard work took place, Horter said.

"For our Ocean County athletes to succeed there is work on my part and for them." said Horter. "Training needs to scheduled, parents contacted, registration material completed, setting up equipment, and of course coaching them prior and at the event."

The Special Olympics is setup for the benefit of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. A goal of developing the athletes with fitness and courage is clear to all, but some of the achieved qualities reach even higher, Horter said. The participants often find a great deal of joy and friendship throughout.

"Best of all is watching the friendship, independence, and fun everyone is having. This makes it all worth the hard work for everyone." Horter said.

The coaches including Hortor, Renee Gurgacz, Mike Millings, and Denise Wilson accompanied the athletes.

The next SONJ event will be bowling in Matawan, on the weekend of March 5th.

Complete list of Participating Graduates:

  • Danny Cherkos, 23
  • Jerry Coburn, 45
  • Alessandra Infante, 24
  • Ryan Knipple, 20
  • Kari Kowzlowski, 33
  • Meghan O'Connor, 24
  • Alex Williams, 21

Complete list of Participating Students:

  • Terry Devlin, 17
  • Katie Hodgson, 18
  • Kenny Jordan, 18
  • Amanda Silletti, 17
  • Sarah Zlotek, 17
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