South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Palm Beach County athletes win gold at Special Olympics
The Special Olympics Florida-Palm Beach County delegation recently had several athletes perform at a high level during the
2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando.
Boca Raton resident Kara Tynan captured two gold medals after winning both singles bowling and unified team bowling while also finishing fourth in doubles.
“Nationals was a dream come true because I won two gold medals,” she said. “Going to the World Games is a dream too.”
Lantana resident Elizabeth Smith won the gold medal in unified team bowling and also took fifth place in unified doubles.
“Going from being a parent of an athlete to his Unified partner and then being picked for the USA Games, it was such an aww moment for me,” she said. “My son, Jordan, went to his first National Games in
2010 in Nebraska for bowling. So for me to go 12 years later and be following his footsteps was a fairytale for me. To get to experience and share what he did and so many others is an honor I will hold dear for a very long time.”
West Palm Beach resident Terrence Freelove earned the silver in team bowling, the bronze in singles and fifth place in unified doubles. He also competes in surfing, basketball, track and field, and softball.
“It meant to me that I can improve and become better in myself,” he said. “It was such an honor and privilege to attend the games and represent the state of Florida and Palm Beach County. I made some new friends, won two medals and one ribbon and made Palm Beach County proud. Even though we all have different disabilities, we all shine as one.”
The USA Games Team Florida bowling coaching staff featured Lake Worth residents Nancy and Mike Howard. They were previously recognized as the 2020 Special Olympics Coaches of the Year and were also nominated by Special Olympics Florida for the 2022 Special Olympics North America Coaches of the Year Award.
“It’s hard to express the feeling we got walking into the stadium as they announced Team Florida has arrived,” Nancy Howard said. “We’ve attended the National Games as coaches in New Jersey and Seattle, but it was a completely different feeling being announced as the home team. It was so cool looking around the stadium and seeing so many familiar faces, athletes’ families, friends, Special Olympics staff, celebrities and also being the last delegation to walk into the stadium. Everyone was waiting for us.”
Nancy Howard said they have been preparing for the 2022 USA Games since last June after being selected as the bowling coaches for Team Florida. They held training camp this past March and also held practices in Fort Lauderdale and Port St. Lucie.
They competed at Boardwalk Bowl during the USA Games, which is the largest bowling center in the southeast with 80 lanes. The bowling competition had
302 athletes scheduled as the participants were from ages 16 to 82 and featured 44 states represented as well as Washington, D.C., Aruba and the Bahamas.
“We were told we were chosen to lead the athletes from Florida not only because of our sports knowledge but also for our passion and commitment to the athletes and mission of Special Olympics Florida,” she said. “The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games provided a once-ina-lifetime opportunity for
16 bowlers who have never attended the USA Games before. We visited Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, met members of the Harlem Globetrotters, and made friendships that will last a lifetime.”
The USA Games Team Florida coaching staff also included West Palm Beach resident Kenny Lawrence (surfing), Delray Beach resident Fanny Hourigan (surfing), Jim McCullough (surfing) and Boynton Beach resident Ryan Ruch (soccer).
“I made some new friends, won two medals and one ribbon and made Palm Beach County proud. Even though we all have different disabilities, we all shine as one.” — Terrence Freelove, who won silver in team bowling, the bronze in singles and fifth place in unified doubles
Delray Beach resident Ayla Hourigan stepped up to win the gold medal in level two surfing. Boca Raton resident Paul Rogers captured the gold in swimming during the 100m freestyle while also finishing in fourth place in both the 500m free and 4x50m free relay. Boynton Beach resident Jonathan Doring won the silver in doubles tennis and earned the bronze during singles.
Jupiter resident Lindsay Fulop earned a gold medal in golf after finishing in first place in level four individual stroke play (9-hole). Lake Worth resident Ron Backus and Boca Raton resident Keith Porges teamed up and finished in fourth place in level two unified alternate shot (9-hole).
Ethan Borys won the gold medal during equestrian in Dressage (Level B1) and won two silver medals during English Equitation (Level B1) and English Working Trails (Level B1). Chris Nardone won two bronze medals after competing in English Equitation (Level BS) and English Working Trails (Level BS).
Wellington resident Katherine Broz also had a strong performance and won the bronze medal in level two surfing. She also participates in bowling, open water swim, and track and field.
“It was so exciting and an honor to represent Florida at the National Games,” she said. “I have worked very hard with my coaches over the past five years to get better at surfing. The Opening Ceremonies were amazing and it was fun to see all the other athletes gather in one place. Winning the bronze medal for women’s surfing made me cry with happiness and pride. I will never forget the National Games.”