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Rutherford County's Special Olympics athletes, their families and friends were among the thousands attending the annual Special Olympics of North Carolina (SONC) games recently.
Approximately 1,500 Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners, individuals without intellectual disabilities, from across the state competed in athletics, basketball, bowling, gymnastics, power lifting, swimming and volleyball.
"Rutherford County athletes gave it their all at the Special Olympics NC Summer Games," said Rutherford County Special Olympics Coordinator Allison Dorsey Kennedy.
With a goal of bringing home "gold" the athletes did exactly that.
There is always room for additional volunteers, supporters and sponsors. For more information visit sonc.net/rutherford or email rutherford@sonc.net.
Participants and their trophies:
Track & Field (Athletics)
Tyler Gibert: Silver Medal- 50m Dash, Silver Medal- Softball Throw
Matthew Lazo: Silver Medal- 100m Dash, Fourth Place Ribbon - Mini Javelin
Darrell Shelton: Silver Medal- Mini Javelin, Fifth Place Ribbon- 100m Dash
Lillie Cooper: Gold Medal-100m Dash, Silver Medal- Mini Javelin
Sarah Lazo, Fourth Place Ribbon - 100m Dash
Jeremy Hart: Bronze Medal- 100m Dash, Fifth Place Ribbon- Mini Javelin
Bobby High: Bronze Medal- Mini Javelin, Fifth Place Ribbon- 100m Dash
Christian Shelton: Bronze Medal- Mini Javelin, Bronze Medal- 100m Dash
Coaches Barry and Angie Melton were thanked for guidance and support. "We are so proud of each of these athletes for their hard work, determination, and outstanding representation of Rutherford County."
Summer Games 2025 - Gymnastics
Tea Crawford represented Rutherford County at the (SONC) Summer Games - "and she absolutely shined on the mat." Her results: All-Around- 1st Place, Beam- 1st Place, Floor- 1st Place, Vault- 2nd Place, Bars- 4th Place
Bowling Highlights
Rutherford County also showed up strong at the Special Olympics NC Summer Games 2025 in Bowling,winning a gold and silver medal and ribbons.
Gold Medal - Unified Doubles: Zackery Arrowood & Jack Kennedy (Rutherford JZ Bowling Dudes)
Silver Medal- Traditional Team: William Callahan, Steven Camp, Michael Cobb, Erick Grondahl, Yanessa Ortiz (Rutherford Ministry)
4th Place Ribbon- Traditional Team: Cassandra Collier, Amber Dysart, Hartley Plyler, Kato Porter, Amanda Whiteside (Rutherford Raiders)
Thanks to Coaches Bill Seeber and Brianna Huntley for their leadership, dedication, and support.
"These athletes represented Rutherford County with pride, skill, and heart. Way to go, teams," Allison said.
Basketball Skills
Isaac Lail represented SORC inBasketball skills and brought home a silver medal.
"We're so proud of Isaac's hard work and determination on the court," said his mom, Dana Lail. "Special thanks to Coaches Erin and Tommy Wilson for their incredible leadership and support."
ROCO Cheer
The ROCO cheerleaders wrapped up the year with standout performances at the Polar Plunge and their end-of-season Showcase. A special shout out to the team members who went on to represent SORC at the Special Olympics NC Cheer Tournament in Mocksville and brought home the silver medal in their division.
