Special Olympians back from State Games

Nearly 1,700 athletes competed in the Special Olympics North Carolina Summer Games May 29-31 at North Carolina State University. Among those were more than 20 athletes from Rutherford County. Athletes from across the state competed in eight sports, including swimming, basketball, bowling and track and field.

Rutherford County was represented in four sports: athletics (track and field), bowling, cheerleading, and gymnastics.

Athletics competitors included Nathaniel Harsh, Jeremy Hart, Bobby High, Matthew Lazo, and Sarah Lazo.

In bowling, competitors included Unified Doubles partners Zackery Arrowood and Jack Kennedy; Doubles partners William "Billy" Callahan and Yanessa Ortiz; and the bowling team of Michael Cobb, Amber Dysart, Eric Grondahl, Hartley Plyer, and Kato Porter.

The cheerleading team consisted of Cassandra Collier, Lillie Cooper, Kadyn Frankoski, Kastyn Frankoski, Addison Greene, Isaac Lail, and Amanda Whiteside.

Tea Crawford represented Rutherford County in gymnastics.

"The Summer Games are about much more than competition," said Allison Kennedy, Special Olympics coordinator. "They provide opportunities for athletes to build friendships, gain confidence, and showcase their abilities. Our athletes represented Rutherford County with pride, and we are grateful for the families, coaches, and volunteers who support them."