WICHITA — Despite the rain, the Special Olympics took place over the weekend at Cessna Stadium on Wichita State University’s campus. Irene Smith helped chaperone the trip for seven participants from Iola and two from LaHarpe.
“We all go on a school bus to Wichita together,” Smith, 82, said. “Then, they always help with the kids that need extra help. A lot of the kids can do things on their own.”
The results follow:
Bo Bland, Iola — 2nd place, 200-meter run
Judy Branstetter, Iola — 4th place, 100-meter run; 4th place, running long jump
Manuel Doolittle, Neosho Falls — 4th place, 100-meter run
Leiberannae Moore, Iola — 7th place, 100-meter run
Tyler Streeter, Iola — 2nd place, 200-meter run; 2nd place, running long jump
Christopher White, Iola — 2nd place, 100-meter run; 2nd place, ball throw
Derek White, Iola — 6th place, 200-meter run; 3rd place, running long jump
Casey Riebel, LaHarpe — 3rd place, 50-meter run
Steven Riebel, LaHarpe — 1st place, 25-meter assisted walk
Bland, Doolittle, Streeter, D. White — 1st place, relays
In between events, the athletes had more than enough to do.
“They have what they call the Olympic Village for the kids to play games and they get tickets and can cash them in for prizes,” Smith said.
The rain canceled the softball throw and standing long jump. Smith said that the team ended on a good note.
