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“All-Star Sweetie” Marlena Timmerman, 17, of Austintown takes a water break from practice for the Special Olympics. Timmerman will compete in the 100-meter dash and with the softball team.
Mahoning County’s Special Olympians prepare for 2012 Ohio Summer Games
By Greg Gulas
YOUNGSTOWN
The Special Olympics State Summer Games will take place Friday through Sunday in Columbus with nearly 2,500 athletes statewide set to compete in the annual competition.
The largest event of the Ohio Special Olympics calendar year, 68 of Ohio’s 88 counties will be represented with a majority of the competition venues taking place at Ohio State University.
Mahoning County will send 32 athletes and 11 coaches to compete aquatics, athletics (track & field), bocce, bowling, cycling, gymnastics, power lifting, roller skating, soccer, tennis and volleyball.
“Last year we sent 28 athletes to the state competition and every one of them came home with a medal,” David Grossman, chairman/local coordinator of the Mahoning County Developmental Disabilities Special Olympics, said. “We are the four-time defending volleyball champions so our goal this year is a very simple one; win volleyball and have everyone return home once again with a medal.”
The Mahoning County team will compete in five events, including the newly added mini-javelin throw.
Grossman, now in his 28th year with the group, said Vicki Goist will be an early favorite in the 25-meter wheelchair race despite missing last year’s event.
Goist, sidelined by a knee injury, placed second in the event two years ago.
“I really missed the competition, but have worked hard and feel that I am stronger for this year’s competition,” Goist said. “I’m just excited to be returning to the state.”
There are five age groups for competitors (8-11, 12-15, 16-21, 22-29 and 30-over). The events are broken down according to age, ability and gender.
“The state is divided into 13 areas and Mahoning County is designated as Area 11. You qualify for the state by first, attending your local qualifying event and secondly, by placing in your respective heat,” Grossman added.
Max Jurczyk of Canfield will be out to defend his title in the 200 and will compete in the standing long jump.
“It was great to win last year and it excites me to be able to go back to defend my title,” Jurczyk said. “As long as I give it my best shot, then I’ll feel good about my effort.”
Austintown’s David Scheetz is a member of the defending volleyball championship squad, having competed in the 1996 national games in New Haven, Conn.
“I have quite a bit of nervous energy, but that goes away once the competition begins,” Scheetz said. “Our goal is to play the best that we can and hopefully we will come back with yet another volleyball title.”
Michael Grasso of Youngstown, who will also compete on the volleyball team, is a well-rounded athlete who can also swim, bowl, play basketball and is adept in the track & field events as well.
“Everyone has been working really hard so we’re just about ready to get started with the games. Defending our volleyball title would be very special,” Grasso added.
Poland’s Michelle Burns is the defending champion in the 30-and-over softball throw.
“Winning last year was fun and at the same time very emotional for me,” she said. “Now, I cannot wait for the games to start so I can defend my title.”
All events are free and open to the public. For a complete schedule, visit www.mahoningcountyspecialolympics.org.