Recently, the honor of attending a competition, meeting athletes and coaches from several states, and competing against those individual athletes, was afforded to six Lycoming County athletes and three coaches.
Lycoming County Special Olympics athletes Sean Brink, Jeremiah Clark, Maria Marinucci, Brendan Rooker, Paul Smith, Jimmy Steinruck, volunteer Gerald Anderson and coaches Lester Loner and Tracy Rooker attended the 2023 Pennsylvania State Winter Games, which were held at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Seven Springs Pennsylvania, February 14–16.
The Lycoming County Delegation joined 225 athletes, 100 coaches, and 400 volunteers from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia to participate in three days of competition in Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snow Shoeing. In addition to the competition, everyone was treated to outstanding Opening Ceremonies, an Olympic Village, a Victory Dance, an awards presentation, and Closing Ceremonies.
All Lycoming County Special Olympics athletes participated in Snowshoeing and competed in the 100-meters 200-meter, 400-meter, and 4 x 100-meter relay events.
Following the competition, athletes were awarded medals and ribbons for their respective finishes based on the events listed, with Sean Brink bringing home a bronze medal along with three gold medals. Jeremiah Clark returned home with four gold medals, Maria Marinucci captured three silver medals, and a gold medal. Brendan Rooker took home two silver medals and two golds. Paul Smith captured two silver medals, along with a bronze medal and a gold. Jimmy Steinruck won two gold medals, a 4th place ribbon, and a silver medal.
When asked to describe in one or two words what going to the Winter Games meant to them or what was the most exciting or fun thing for them, Brink said, “good competition.” Clark said, “making new friends.” Marinucci responded with “being with her county athletes.” Rooker said he “liked the hotel,” Smith grinned and said, “the whole trip was awesome” and he “liked the dance.” Steinruck concluded with, “the food and Olympic Village.” They all responded that they are looking forward to coming back again and are hoping that Lycoming County can have more athletes attend next year.
In addition to this event being a state competition, it also served as a qualifier for the 2025 World Winter Games scheduled to take place in Turin, Italy, from January 29 to February 9, 2025. Athletes meeting all training and competition requirements and receiving gold, silver, or bronze medals at the 2023 Pennsylvania State Winter Games could be eligible to be placed into a random drawing to determine who will be representing Pennsylvania and Team USA at this competition. This World event is estimated to draw over 3,100 athletes and coaches from 70 countries, along with 3,000 volunteers. Special Olympics World Games are held every two years, alternating between the Summer and Winter Games.
