The Olympic committee made its own Olympic medals and decorations. 

By JUDITH LYNN LEE
Contributing Writer

It’s easy to love the thrill of good completion. It’s perhaps just as easy to forget that winning doesn’t always mean getting the most points or being first across the finish line.

The many students, staff, supporters and volunteers of the Summit Developmental Disabilities Tallmadge, Ohio Work Center commemorated the 2012 Olympics with their own rendition a Tallmadge Center Olympic Competition. These challengers went beyond getting any gold.

“The athletes were very excited to have a chance to support the Olympics with their own games,” said Michelle Dolensky, facility manager.

Festivities began with students parading inside the school gymnasium one-by-one, carrying flags that represented different countries. Other’s gathered outside for a torch run where individuals paraded around the building. The torch was eventually brought inside and placed in the center of the room to be lit.

“That was so much fun and I love America,” said Andrew Amos.

From his wheel chair, he managed to carry in and help light the torch.

Beth Senistro, a substitute teacher stood by to help individuals during the ceremony. “I was very touched as you can see. This is a great way to get these individuals involved in showing love for their country,” she said very emotionally.

A different competition was played every day from July 30th through August 10th. Individuals competed in ten events which included: soccer ball kick, 100 inch dash, modified weight lifting, softball throw, standing broad step, javelin throw, relay race, ring toss, three wheel bike race, and frisbee throw.

During the relay race, Michelle Smith could be seen running around the perimeter of the building outdoors. She struggled a bit and had to rest at times but managed to pass it on to Brad Arnold.

“That was fun. I had to walk some ‘cause I was tired,” she managed to say in between breaths. Not long after that, Brad could be seen jumping up-and-down as he ran across the finish line.

Scott Vaughn stooped down with knees bent. He gave it the best he could as he jumped forward. “That’s good, Scott,” said Michelle Dolensky as she measured his distance. This was during the Standing Broad Step competition and Scott was sure that he would be the winner of the Gold Medal.

The Olympic committee made its own Olympic medals and decorations. The awards were presented to winners during the award ceremony. These individuals were so geared up as the national anthem for each country was played for every gold medal winner.

Due to privacy and HIPPA Laws, not every individual is able to be recognized. However, huge congratulations and job well done to all competitors.

Lucky Tisch was very pleased at the Olympic turnout. The Summit DD Communications/Marketing Director hoped the individuals got a lot out of the competition. “I think it’s a great opportunity for people with disabilities to be able to experience the Olympics and be able to participate in Olympic events as well. I hope these individuals feel the camaraderie with their peers and that they experience the joy of winning.”