PENINSULA’S SPECIAL ATHLETES SHINE AT STATE

Displaying their banner at the opening of the Washington State Summer Games are Orca team members (from left) Bonny Cates, Heather Murray, Deedra Hunter, Andrea Reise, Garet Bonham (wearing cap), Alicia Stuber, Ursula Schletter, Aidan Petty, Jim “Poncho” Hinman, Jeff Korver (in back), Thomas Skerbeck, Kimberly Wing, Lee Bond and Nina Wilson. Submitted photo


Sequim Gazette


The joy of competition knows no boundaries.

The peninsula’s own squad of Special Olympics athletes — the Clallam County Orcas — went head-to-head with the best in the state at the Washington State Summer Games at Fort Lewis May 29-31.

A dozen Orca teammates competed in track & field events and seven competed in swimming events, braving the 80-degree heat for fast finishes and the camaraderie of sportsmanship.

The team brought home 10 gold medals and numerous other awards, said Wendy Bonham, who coached the track & field squad with Steve Kellmyer.

Russ Bonham coached the Orca swimmers.

The Orcas are hosting softball practices as they build a team for the Special Olympics regional softball tournament in August. Practices start Wednesday, June 17. Practices are each Wednesday from 5-6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., each session at the Peninsula College field at 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd. in Port Angeles.

New players need to fill out paperwork.

Athletes can be part of a full team or, if they don’t feel they ready for that, may participate in individual skills competition.

“We provide comp for all levels,” Wendy Bonham said.

The regional tournament is Aug. 1 in Olympic. The state tourney, dubbed the Summer Sports Classic, is scheduled for Aug. 22-23 in Everett.

For more information, call Wendy Bonham at 477-4134.