Charleston Hosts Thrilling Mid-Winter Games for Special Olympics

The city of Charleston played host to a weekend of thrilling athletic competition as Special Olympics South Carolina held their 2013 Mid-Winter games. From March 1-3, the state's top Special Olympics athletes descended upon the picturesque city, bringing with them a wealth of talent, enthusiasm, and determination.

A total of 920 athletes from 16 different areas across the state participated in the event, joined by over 200 Unified Partners and 500 dedicated volunteers. The games kicked off on Friday evening with a dinner and appreciation reception at McAllister Field House on the campus of The Citadel, followed by the Opening Ceremonies.

As each team took to the stage, the anticipation grew, culminating in an electrifying atmosphere that set the tone for an unforgettable weekend. A range of sports was contested throughout the event, including badminton, basketball skills, and power lifting, all held on the campus of The Citadel. Meanwhile, bowling competitions were held at three local centers, while disc golf enthusiasts made their way to Hampton Park just outside The Citadel's gates.

The disc golf competition proved to be a highlight of the weekend, with 32 Special Olympics athletes competing alongside 21 Unified Partners and dozens of volunteers. A temporary 9-hole course was set up in the beautiful Hampton Park, surrounded by stunning natural scenery that seemed to come alive as discs soared through the air.

The event saw a range of participants take part, including 10 athletes from areas 10, 11, and 16 competing in singles action, while 21 athletes and their partners from areas 4, 5, 7, and 10 participated in Unified action playing Alternate Shot Doubles.

Scott Wentzky and Adrian Southern were instrumental in coordinating the disc golf competition, with Scott expressing his delight at seeing so many athletes enjoying themselves. "We run a pretty relaxed competition," he said, "and it's fantastic to see our athletes having such a great time."

The Victory Celebration/Closing Ceremonies took place on Saturday evening, where medals were awarded to competitors by the law enforcement community. As always, the athletes' joy and enthusiasm shone through, regardless of their medal count.

Special Olympics has active programs in over 170 countries worldwide, with more than 3.4 million athletes participating globally. The organization offers a range of opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to engage in sports, including disc golf. If you're interested in learning more about the Special Olympics program in your area or would like to help establish a new program, visit their website and get involved.

The full results from the 2013 Mid-Winter Games disc golf competition are available online, providing a glimpse into the excitement and camaraderie of this inspiring event.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/special-olympics-disc-golf