They made signs, cheered them on, and wished their hometown heroes luck.

The hoopla outside Colossal Radio in Palmerton on Wednesday morning was an adieu befitting of Special Olympics athletes Delina Rodrigues and Matt Anthony of Palmerton.

A sendoff was held for Rodrigues and Anthony several days before they leave to compete in the Special Olympics USA Games 2022 in Orlando, Florida.

Layne “Doc” Roberts, owner of Colossal Radio, said it was his idea to host the two athletes just days before they depart for the games.

“You can’t find more kind people; we can all take lessons from (the two),” Roberts said. “The radio station is designed to bring local communities together; it’s what we’re here for.”

Rodrigues will compete in power lifting, and will be the lone female to represent Pennsylvania in the event.

She said her mindset is to once again return to Palmerton draped in gold.

“I work hard, and do everything to achieve my goal as a power-lifter,” Rodrigues said. “I want to achieve gold, totally gold.”

Anthony, who will compete in bocce, said that while he hopes to medal, the company he’s in is equally important.

“My goal is to have fun and make new friends,” he said. “My friends are the ultimate medal.”

The two are no strangers to success.

Rodrigues previously won two gold medals at the Special Olympics World Games 2019 in Abu Dhabi.

Anthony earned a gold medal in bowling from the Special Olympic Unified Games in Las Vegas in 2019.

The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games will be held June 5-12.