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Special day for Special Olympians

July 9, 2023

More than 200 athletes take part in annual event at Southern Oregon University

The 2023 Special Olympics Oregon Summer Regional Games were held Saturday in Ashland at Southern Oregon University’s Raider Stadium.

Teams from 10 Southern Oregon counties — Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, and the South Coast team with athletes from Coos Bay, North Bend, Reedsport, Coquille and Bandon counties — participated in a variety of track and field events and bocce ball.

About 220 athletes took part in the event, which is a qualifying meet for the state Special Olympics. Volunteers from the Kiwanis Club of Ashland provided lunch for the athletes and staff.

The bocce courts were busy all morning as teams from 10 Southern Oregon counties competed in the Oregon Special Olympics Summer Regional Games. Bob Palermini photo

Members of the Douglas County team cheer as they are introduced at the Summer Regional Games, held Saturday at Raider Stadium on the SOU campus. Bob Palermini photo

Jamilah, an athlete from Jackson County, takes her turn at shot put, one of three events she participated in. Bob Palermini photo

Ryan, an athlete from Josephine County, takes his turn at the shot put. Bob Palermini photo

Members of the Klamath County Special Olympics team cheer as they are recognized at the start of the games. Their tie-dyed shirts stood out in the crowd. Bob Palermini photo

Athletes were competing for gold, silver and bronze medals at the Summer Regional Games held in Ashland Saturday. Bob Palermini photo

Brian, from the Klamath County team, takes his turn lagging a ball assisted by Kristene, a coach. Bob Palermini photo

A Jackson County athlete competes in the 100-meter dash at Raider Stadium Saturday. Bob Palermini photo

Many medals and ribbons were awarded at the Special Olympics Summer Regional Games held in Ashland Saturday. Bob Palermini photo

A South Coast runner takes the lead in a men’s race Saturday. Bob Palermini photo

Athletes from (from left) Jackson County, South Coast and Klamath County compete in a close race in the Special Olympics regional games held on the campus of Southern Oregon University Saturday. Bob Palermini photo

The field at Southern Oregon University’s Raider Stadium hosted the Oregon Special Olympics summer regional games Saturday. Bob Palermini photo

A Josephine County Special Olympics distance runner competes in the 1,500 meter run on the track at Raider Stadium Saturday. Bob Palermini photo

Bert Etling

Bert Etling is the executive editor of Ashland.news. Email him at [email protected].

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