Athletes Bring Speed to the Ice at 2010 State Winter Games

By: Jenna Rummer

At the sound of the whistle, Special Olympics Michigan athletes took off in a sprint in an attempt to win the gold medal in speed skating.     Athletes laced up their skates and brought their speed to the Special Olympics Michigan 2010 State Winter Games at Howe Arena at the Grand Traverse Civic Center in Traverse City, Mich. Athletes competed in the 100M, 300M, 500M, and 800M sprint races. The races had a minimum of two participants and a maximum of three.

Ricky Moore is an Area 34 athlete who competed in the 100M race for the first time this year and placed third overall in his division. "It was fun. My favorite thing is skating. I'm going to be doing it all summer," said Ricky.

This year marks the second time that Area 15 athlete Mark Young competed in speed skating at the State Winter Games. After his race he breathlessly said that it went well and was visibly cheerful as a result of his competition.     "I like going fast. Speed skating is my favorite. I like competition and was excited to compete," said Mark.

Mark placed first in the 100M and second in the 300M for his division.

The skill and athleticism of the athletes is not the only thing impressive to witness at the event. The athletes were the epitome of good sportsmanship and could be seen enthusiastically cheering each other on and praising each other's performance. For example, as two competitors got off the ice they told each other "good job". The opponent who lost the race told the victor with a big smile that he was just too fast for him.

Janet Ruhlmann of Area 15 coaches the Royal Oak Renewal Rangers and brought one athlete with her to the State Winter Games this year. As a coach she has seen firsthand the positive effect that speed skating competition has had on the athletes. "The best thing about being a coach is to see them be enthusiastic and strengthen themselves at the same time, as well as do something that is a difficult sport and really doing a great job," said Janet.

Speed skating attracted volunteer help from outside organizations. Members of the traveling hockey team Bayshore Bruins of Traverse City, Mich. volunteered their time at the speed skating races on Feb. 3. The team is made up of 10-year old boys who were pleased they got to help out at the event. Fitz Doud is one of the players for the Bayshore Bruins who helped out at speed skating. "I liked their smiles when they won or when they lost. They always had a great smile. They gave high fives all the time. It didn't matter who won it just mattered how much fun they had," said Fitz.

Some of the players from the St. Francis High School team Bay Reps assisted with the ice skating events on Feb. 4. Kevin Banducci, Quinn Lyman and Jake Peacock handed out medals to figure skaters in the morning. At speed skating Bay Reps players Trent Lee, Eric Jones and Michael Elliot helped out on the ice and helped pass out medals. "Its fun seeing them have fun with skating which is usually a punishment for us," said Trent.

Special Olympics Michigan encourages and welcomes community members and groups to volunteer at any local, regional or state event.  Just call (800) 644-6404 if you are interested.

Posted: 2010-02-10