A series to share #smiles across our community through the achievements of our local youth, brought to you by Olsen Orthodontics.
(Jackson, WY) – On February 26 and 27, the Lander Valley Unified snowshoeing team raced at the Winter State Special Olympics competition in Jackson Hole, where multiple team members placed in the events.
Special Olympics snowshoeing is a winter sport where athletes compete in track and running events on compacted snow. It’s a combination of aerobic exercise and walking on snow without sinking, which is why the snowshoes are used.
Races include short distances, like 25m, 50m,100 meters for beginners, medium distances like 400 meters for athletes with moderate endurance, and relay races.
Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools bring together students with and without intellectual disabilities through education, sports, and youth leadership to provide them with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to create and sustain school communities that promote acceptance and respect. “Play Unified. Live Unified.”
The Lander Valley team is coached by Buddy Red Bow, Chelsey Red Bow, and Shelley McConnell.
The team consists of: Jorja Sparks (Athlete), Tynlee Jacks (Athlete), Owen Adams (Unified partner), Vincent Red Bow (Unified partner), Eleanor Hulkovich (Unified partner) and Desirae Track (Unified partner).
The State Meet results are below:
- Jorja Sparks
- 25 Meter Snowshoe = 2nd place
- 50 Meter Snowshoe = 2nd place
- 100 Meter Snowshoe = 2nd place
- 4 x 100 Meter Unified relay = 3rd place
- Tynlee Jacks
- 25 Meter Snowshoe = 4th place
- 50 Meter Snowshoe = 3rd place
- 100 Meter Snowshoe = 3rd place
- 4 x 100 Meter Unified relay = 3rd place
Relay Team # 1 (4 x 100m)
Jorja Sparks, Vincent Red Bow, Tynlee Jacks, Desirae Track (3rd place)
Lander (LAN) / Evanston (TTT) Relay Team # 2 (4 x 100m)
Eleanor Hulkovich(LAN), EVN (TTT), EVN (TTT), EVN (TTT) (1st Place)
Congratulations, Lander Valley Unified snowshoeing team!
The above information and photos were provided to County 10 by Buddy Red Bow.