The Augusta Stars, a Special Olympics Georgia agency, competed May 27-29 in the Georgia Summer Games hosted by Emory University located in Atlanta. Seventeen athletes competed in swimming, volleyball and tennis.
Newcomer Daniel “Danny” Fantine took part in Level A Swimming. Level A is the designation for those with mobility issues and consists of 15-meter walk, 15-meter flotation, 25-meter flotation, 10-meter assisted and 150-meter unassisted.
Fantine is blind as well as has an intellectual disability, according to a news release.
“When Danny started practicing, he was extremely apprehensive and did not trust himself or others around water. After a great deal of work which included getting into the pool, Danny walked 15 meters and earned a gold medal. If you see him, he will gladly tell you about it,” the news release said.
Swimmers can compete in up to two events. The following swimmers competed in the 25-meter freestyle: Eric Welch (gold), Joshua Ekechukwu (bronze), Jeffrey Keating (silver), Joseph Cruz (bronze), Stacey Yarbrough (silver), Corey Hudson (silver) and Naomi Hicks (silver).
Three swimmers competed in the 50-meter freestyle: Eric Welch (gold), Joshua Ekechukwu (bronze), Jeffrey Keating (bronze). Stacey Yarbrough brought home the gold in the 25-meter backstroke.
The Volleyball team, which includes Michael Duffy, Kim Way, Cindy Isbell, Raven Allen, Eric Barclay, Roy Snyder, Theresa Nixon and Brandy Storey, played four separate teams and each team member brought home a fourth place ribbon.
Doyle Campbell competed in tennis and brought home silver.
“After two days of competition and an opening ceremony followed by a dance, all are glad to be home to get some well-deserved rest,” the news release said.
