Oregon’s Special Olympics Summer State Games Sizzle

Special Olympics Oregon State Games 2014.

Newberg, July 12th, 2014. The Summer State Games are the state championship competitions in the sports of athletics (track & field), bocce, golf, and softball for Special Olympics athletes in Oregon. All participants have trained in their hometowns for eight weeks prior to the Summer Games and have qualified to compete at the Summer Games at a regional level competition. Law enforcement agencies from all over Oregon were represented at the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the 2014 Summer State Games.

Jerome Kersey of the Portland Trail Blazers greets the athletes.

Special Olympian Michael Hart runs in the Newberg games.

Area residents rolled out the red carpet including balloonist who added spectacular color.

“Champions are not the ones who always win races . champions are the ones who get out there and try. And try harder the next time. And even harder the next time.” – Simon Sinek

Victory Dance & Social – Newberg High School Stadium is always a highlight.

From Special Olympics Oregon:

Here in Oregon, while Special Olympics Oregon serves 12,000 participants throughout the state, nearly 70,000 people with intellectual disabilities could benefit from participating in Special Olympics. Still growing, Special Olympics Oregon is efficiently expanding programs to get closer and closer to serving every individual with intellectual disabilities that qualifies to participate in Special Olympics.

Special Olympics Oregon offers training and competition opportunities in 14 different Olympic-style sports. There are three sports seasons throughout the year, with statewide competitions and training in winter, summer and fall.

Special Olympics Oregon holds events in every region of the state, every month of the year, providing athletes the opportunity to be competing and training as often as they choose.

Special Olympics athletes train intensely for eight weeks prior to each State Games event. Volunteer coaches are responsible for training the athletes. Volunteers must complete a certification program prior to becoming Special Olympics coaches and must attend training schools before each season.

Special Olympics Oregon (SOOR) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization incorporated in the state of Oregon to provide sports training and athletic competition for persons with mental disabilities. SOOR is accredited by Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI) and responsible for following the policies and rules established by SOI in the delivery of services in Oregon. It is known as a Program of SOI. A volunteer Board of Directors provides policy decisions and long-range planning for SOOR. The Board employs a staff of people to implement the day-to-day operations.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.