Special Olympians treated to Hawaiian luau

Inclement weather scuttled a Special Olympics track meet in Erie Wednesday. In its stadium, organizers hosted a Hawaiian celebration.

By

Sports

May 8, 2025 - 2:31 PM

Allen County Special Olympics volunteer Joy Riebel, from left, shows a certificate she received alongside Casey Riebel, Ian Webber and Ty Johnson at a makeshift Hawaiian festival Wednesday after their track meet in Erie was called off due to rain. Courtesy photo

ERIE — Organizers of a Special Olympics track meet didn’t let a little rainy weather spoil their fun Wednesday.

Because of the pending weather, Stephanie Stark and her crew of volunteers — primarily Erie High School students — transformed the track meet into an indoor Hawaiian festival.

A DJ was brought in for dancing, a game of human foosball, a cake walk, movies, face-painting, corn hole, ping pong and other activities were enjoyed.

Joy Riebel, who has been a volunteer within the Special Olympics organization for 40 years, was given a special certificate during the proceedings.

Riebel appreciated the efforts the volunteers put forth to make “this wonderful day for our athletes.”

CrawKan provided, cooked and served a pulled pork sandwich meal as well.

Related
May 8, 2025
May 19, 2021
May 22, 2019
May 7, 2018