The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

The Golden Triangle Champs Special Olympic team participated in the First Annual Newton ISD Special Olympics Track and Field meet on Saturday, March 23. Bridge City Assistant Police Chief Brad Frye and Sergeant David Cagle traveled to Newton to participate in the Torch Run during the opening ceremonies. Joshua T-Ray Sehon was selected from the Champs to run a portion of the torch relay with Officer Frye. Brooke Couder was selected to recite the Athlete’s Oath, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,” to help begin the events.

Five athletes competed in track events including 25 meter walk, 50 meter dash, 100 meter dash and the 4x100 meter relay. Field events included the ball throw and long jump. The team returned home with three silver medals, seven bronze medals, and seven ribbons.

Brooke Couder, Leah Dinger, Jon Oliphint, Joshua T-Ray Sehon, and Katelynn Woods continue to practice weekly to improve their skills and general physical fitness. They are coached by Jamie Oliphint with the assistance of four BCHS volunteers, Hayden Fowler, Erik Harvey, Daniel Oliphint and Conner Wilbur. The next scheduled track and field event will be the Area Special Olympics meet held at Lamar University Beaumont on April 13.

Special Olympics provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The Champs are the local Special Olympics team based here in the Bridge City/Orangefield area. Currently the Golden Triangle Champs have teams active in track and field, aquatics, bowling, bocce and equestrian.

For information about participation or for volunteer opportunities you can contact Jamie Oliphint at [email protected] or the area Special Olympics office at [email protected].