Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Seven students from the Rich East High School Alpha Program competed in the Area 7 Special Olympic Spring Games on Saturday, May 1, at Thornwood High School. All seven medaled and two qualified for the State Special Olympics Games, June 12, at Illinois State University.
Winning gold medals and advancing to the state meet are: Lakisha Arnold (gold medal in the 50 meter run) and Leandro Garcia (gold in the softball throw). Arnold also earned a silver medal in the softball throw and Garcia won a bronze in the 50 meter run.
Other medal-winners were: Creshenda Brooks (bronze, 50m run and a fifth-place mark in the softball throw); Richard Clark (bronze, 50m run and a fourth-place in the softball throw); Patrick Denton (silver, 100m run and bronze, softball throw); Jairod Hester (silver, softball throw, bronze 50m run); Jessica Joseph (silver, 50m run and a bronze, softball throw).
“I want to thank all of our volunteer coaches and supporters who cheered each athlete to victory,” said Kim Gales, of the Rich East Alpha Transition Program. “Without their support, our Special Olympian athletes would not have experienced such great success. They all deserve a lot of thanks.
“And, Phyllis Clark, one of our physical education teachers and softball coaches, who trained all of out athletes as well.”
