Published May 21. 2018 02:45PM
The regional Special Olympics took place during the Jim Thorpe birthday celebration, with athletes competing from Carbon County, Luzerne County and Columbia/Montour area.
Despite the rain, the hallmark torch run was held with a little adjustment for safety, with the bearers using a piece with a prop flame more suited to the indoors.
Cross-country athlete Noah Rogers took the ceremonial torch for a run around the gymnasium before presenting it to Special Olympic competitor Luke Bynon, who carried it for another lap. Bynon then passed the torch to his brother Gerard, who rested the torch in a holder.
Photos by BOB FORD/TIMES NEWS
Special Olympic athlete George Bird, assisted by coach and volunteer Maureen Foster, gives an opening speech before the competition Saturday.
Jim Thorpe’s grandson, John Thorpe, pumps up the athletes before the start of the games.
Joachim “Star Cloud” Wuebber, performs a “Circle of Life” dance during the opening ceremony of the Carbon County Special Olympics.
Special Olympics organizer Dave Rodrigues hugs his daughter, Delina, and presents her with flowers as a congratulations for qualifying for the World Games of the Special Olympics which will be held in Abu Dhabi next year.
Ryan Lee gives it everything he’s got during the 100 meter dash.
Tim Maillet lands during the standing long jump.
Colleen Knepper makes the turn in the 100 meter dash as volunteer Jarrin Geissinger, a 100 meter runner at Jim Thorpe High School, cheers her on.
Tim Maillet shows his speed in the 100 meter dash.
Delina Rodrigues makes the turn in the 100 meter dash race.
Palmerton graduate, Janel Tracy leads the U.S. Military Academy at West Point color guard into the Jim Thorpe High School gymnasium to present the flag for the national anthem.