Special Olympics Delaware holds Summer Games at UD
The 52nd annual Special Olympics Delaware Summer Games were held June 9-10 at the University of Delaware, where athletes competed in tennis, swimming, bocce ball, softball, power lifting and track & field. More than 600 athletes and unified partners from all corners of the state, including athletes from Virginia, competed in the two-day event. More than 170 coaches and team assistants, and 1,000+ day-of volunteers, worked to make this event possible in conjunction with presenting sponsor DuPont and many other corporate sponsors.
The harsh air quality forced most of the events indoors June 9, but that didn’t hinder the competitive atmosphere, fun and camaraderie of the athletes, families, coaches, volunteers and fans.
Healthy Athletes, a series of health screenings and education for athletes, were offered to the participants.
“From the start of the Torch Run in Rehoboth Beach to the final medal handed out on the softball field late Saturday afternoon, the Summer Games were a rousing success thanks to our loyal sponsors, nearly 1,000 volunteers who organized and executed the events, and of course, our coaches who ensured our athletes were able to enjoy their shining moments and inspire all of us like only they can,” said Special Olympics Delaware spokesperson Jon Buzby.
Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs.
