Special Olympians show their ‘bling’

The Arc celebrates state’s summer games athletes from Southern Md.

Local Special Olympians who were supported by The Arc Southern Maryland and competed at the recent Special Olympic Maryland Summer Games were celebrated June 13 at The Arc’s Prince Frederick office.

“I get to be a part of a wonderful group that everyone participates in and feels good about themselves and has fun,” said Jeannie Sturgess of Port Republic, who won two gold medals in cheerleading and a silver in bocce singles. “And it helps me to be part of a wonderful organization like The Arc that stands behind you and supports you one hundred percent to meet your goals.”

“I love the Special Olympics, I love the athletes, I love the teams, I love everything,” said Joseph Williams of Lexington Park, who won the long jump and placed third in the 100-meter dash.

Athletes marched in a parade in the music room while being serenaded by Queen’s “We Are the Champions,” and then each athlete took the mic and said their name and sport.

“Bling, bling,” said Charles Caplins as he held up his gold medal in bocce singles and bronze in bocce doubles, which he earned with teammate Andrew Musegades.

“I’m going to get to go to Chicago for the World Games,” said Amy Walker of Sunderland, who won three gold medals, two for cheerleading and one for bocce singles. She also earned a bronze in doubles bocce with Courtney Huff.

“I like to run fast,” said Melody Chase of Leonardtown, who teamed up with Richard Axtell, Shelby Boyer and Grayson Jones to win gold in the 400-meter relay. Chase also earned a silver in the shot put.

Later, the athletes lunched on pizza and salad while a slide show of the games played on a big screen.

“My favorite part about Special Olympics is the people we support, seeing their excitement when they get their medals,” said bocce coach Crystal Haislip, who is also a volunteer member of the Special Olympics Calvert County management team and therapeutic recreation specialist for The Arc Southern Maryland.

“We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of the people we support, and we continue to be motivated and inspired by these athletes,” said Terry Z. Long, CEO of The Arc Maryland. Southern

STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL REID Special Olympian Jeannie Sturgess poses with a photo of her, which was featured prominently on the Special Olympics Maryland Summer Games program.

STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL REID The Arc of Southern Maryland Special Olympic athletes were honored June 13 for their success at the Special Olympics Maryland Summer Games held June 8 to 10 at Towson University. In the front row are coach Crystal Haislip, left, Andrew Musegades and...