From May 19 to 21, Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) hosted the state’s Summer games at Atlanta’s Emory University where 23 Augustan participants traveled to compete in swimming, volleyball and tennis.
The Augusta Stars, a SOGA agency, took home Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in various categories.
One of these ambitious athletes was Chis Supulski, who is deaf and uses sign language to communicate. According to a report from the Augusta Stars, “[Supulski’s] mom relayed that he was nervous; however, his coaches, who don’t know sign language, could tell that he was chomping at the bit to get at it.” Supulski proceeded to take the Silver in the 25 meter flotation category of the swimming competition.
This year also marked a new milestone for the Augusta Stars’ swim team as they fielded a 25 meter freestyle relay team. Coached by Vernon Broom, the relay team consisted of four athletes who worked together to bring home the Bronze.
“They are really great. I mean everybody gets to show what they have learned,” said coach Broom. “Back when I was growing up I played all kinds of sports, and just to see a child, a young man or a young lady give their all out there … it literally brings tears to my eyes sometimes, because I know they are giving everything they possibly could.”
Other athletes who won in the 25 meter freestyle portion of the swimming competition included: Gold winner Eric Welch; Silver winners Ashlyn Price, Corey Hudson and Naomi Hicks; and Bronze winners Jon Lambert, Joseph Cruz and Aalyiah Petry. Those who won in the swimming’s 50 meter freestyle included: Gold winner Eric Welch and Silver winners Raven Allen, Aalyiah Petry and Corey Hudson.
The volleyball competitors consisted of 10 members who played in three separate teams where each athlete won a Silver medal. Ralph Barclay, parent of athlete and volleyball team member Eric Barclay, said his son absolutely loves to compete in special olympics, because it gives him an opportunity to push himself while having fun – especially when it comes to golf, his favorite sport.
“The Augusta Stars are an absolutely wonderful program,” said Ralph Barclay. “There’s a lot of different activities, and he’s always excited to come back … he just likes to go and have fun.”
Training for weeks in advance, Ralph Barclay said the athletes practice often to improve their skills as much as possible before competing, and it has been a great spirit booster for all involved.
“They never gave up. For those who watched the practices, the team came together and played well,” said Agency Director Kevin Enright. “Huge shout out to Aaron Sapp for coaching the team. He did an awesome job with the athletes.”
After three games in the tennis portion, Doyle Campbell competed and won the Gold. According to Enright, one of the other athletes said, “Doyle took me to school out there.”
“After three days of competition, an opening ceremony followed by a dance and some excited athletes, all are glad to be home to get some well-deserved rest,” said Public Relations Manager and coach Jeff Keating.
Due to a lack of programs targeted for those with special needs, the father also said Special Olympics was a huge relief for his son’s social life outside of school.
“It gives them something to do and gets them out of the house,” he said. “It’s important for him to work with other team members, because that’s life.”
For Eric Barclay, getting to be part of a team and socialize with those he can identify with offers him an active lifestyle that others outside of Augusta do not always get, said Ralph Barclay.
“He likes being able to go places and do things,” said Ralph Barclay. “It’s reassuring that when Eric travels with these people – with Jeff and whoever else, and I can’t go – that I know all the athletes are looked after. It’s a comfort to us.”
For Coach Broom, to see the athletes smiling and laughing together gives him an incredible amount of satisfaction and pride.
“I’ve had a couple of athletes tell me, ‘Well, you should’ve gotten a medal too, Coach,’’ said Broom. “And I tell them, ‘No, my medal is watching you perform.’”
The Augusta Stars will be training next for their Fall competition in October, where they hope to continue bringing home medals, laughter and good memories.
