June, 2008-- To gear up for Special Olympics, team members practiced twice a week for two hours each. Brian Cole is the head coach of the team.

The softball team traveled to Charleston with the Upshur County Special Olympics group — once again having the largest delegation. There were 42 athletes, six coaches and eight volunteers. Track and field, swimming and bocce were also included in the games.

As a county director, O’Dell was a sports event supervisor for these games.

Phil Pfister, who won the 2006 World’s Strongest Man competition, was the guest speaker for the opening ceremonies.

He spoke on endurance and doing your best whether you come home with a gold medal or not, according to O’Dell.

“The state level always comments on Upshur County’s behavior, character and sportsmanship,” she said.

“I give a lot of credit to the coaches, they volunteer their time and they constantly teach respect,” she said.

Although the athletes demonstrate good sportsmanship, they show that competitive spirit.

“They go after the gold,” she said.

Ribbons are handed out to all participants, but those who place first, second or third receive medals — and Upshur County athletes want the medals, according to O’Dell.

“It’s their weekend, and for them to be recognized and told to stand tall and be proud of their accomplishments is a wonderful thing,” O’Dell said.

Next up for the athletes are the Fall Games to be held the first weekend in November in Parkersburg.

“We anticipate participating in a flag football team, football skills, bowling, volleyball and weightlifting,” O’Dell said.

This will be the first year for a flag football team and uniforms will be needed to outfit the team, according to O’Dell. Uniforms for the volleyball team and next year’s track and field team are also needed.  It costs about $4,000 per Olympic Games and donations are always welcome, according to O’Dell. The county level does not solicit funds by phone, she noted. That money supports the state organization. Donations directed to the Upshur County Special Olympics help the county athletes.

Anyone who would like to donate can make checks payable to Upshur County Special Olympics, P.O. Box 275, Buckhannon, WV 26201.

Source/Writer:

The Record Delta
By:  Amanda Hayes