On April 21, 2018, the Allen County Sharks met for their weekly practice. Jeremiah had a chance to visit with them and met Abby Conley. Abby was recently chosen to be a part of Team Ohio at the Special Olympics USA event to be held in July!
Allen County Special Olympics
Stacy Crouse is the coordinator for Allen County Special Olympics. This organization provides opportunities all year long for individuals with developmental disabilities. There is no charge for athletes to be a part of the Sharks team. Some of the sports offered include basketball, swimming, bowling, and track and field.
On this particular Saturday, the track and field team met to practice in preparation the Area 3 competition on May 12th. 7 other counties will face off at Bluffton University in this great event!
Abby Conley
While there, Jeremiah had a chance to meet and get to know athlete Abby Conley. Abby was randomly selected for the Team Ohio Delegation. This group will represent our state at the 2018 USA Special Olympic Games. These games will be held in Seattle, Washington from July 1st to July 6th.
Abby, a long-time member of the Sharks, will participate in the mini-javelin content, the 100-meter walk, and the 4×100 relay. She proudly will represent both Allen County as well as Ohio!
Her mom, Lynda, talked with Jeremiah too. Her family will be traveling with her and are very, very proud of her — not to mention excited! From the time Abby was about 9 years old, she has been a part of the Special Olympics. She participates every season. She has met new friends through this, and Lynda hopes she meets even more at the games!
A Trip to the Seattle Games
Team Ohio will travel as a unified group of 66 athletes. They will fly out of Cleveland to Seattle together and stay at the University Washington in the campus dorms. This will be a great opportunity to get to know both their coaches and fellow athletes.
As with the Summer and Spring Olympics, the USA Special Olympics are held every four years. To date, only three athletes have represented Allen County as a part of Team Ohio, with Abby as the fourth. They will participate in the Opening Ceremonies in the parade of athletes. Each member of Team Ohio has been given a special uniform to wear that day. As usual, there will be live music and entertainment. Plus, while in Seattle they will also go see a Mariners game together!
The trip to Seattle was made possible through fundraising. Join us in congratulating Abby for this amazing opportunity!
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