Special Olympics powerlifting meet yields great local results

The Special Olympics took center stage on Saturday as powerlifters from Powerlifting athletes from Lewiston, Clarkston, Orofino, and the Silver Valley gathered at Silver Valley Fitness for the North Idaho Regional competition to compete for a chance at the Idaho State Games in June.

Following the singing of the national anthem, the powerlifting athletes took the Special Olympics oath promising, "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

The athletes competed in bench press, deadlift, and squat events and several Silver Valley athletes set personal records.

Event coordinator Sue Hansen was thrilled with how the event went and was reminded of why she is involved with Special Olympics.

“These events are really inspirational for me, and this one was no different,” Hansen said. “Seeing athletes that are doing their personal bests is just so inspirational. Athletes that don’t always get to compete in sporting events were able to show off their ability and their hard work.”

Hansen was also thankful for how easy the event was and credited that to the volunteer staff who helped put it on.

“This event ran so smoothly, Robin (Davis), the Rahms know how to put on a weightlifting event,” Hansen said. “We also had terrific volunteers, Trevor Marek, Tim Pileggi, and Tyrell Hendricks. Thanks to those volunteers and to Tom and Tammy Rahm for organizing and running this competition.”

These are the qualifiers for the Idaho State Games with the first three also setting personal records.

April Cason - deadlift 225 lbs

Patrick Dennis - bench press 110 lbs, deadlift 235 lbs

Andrea Mousseau - deadlift 190 lbs

Joanne Coast- bench press 85 lbs

The Silver Valley athletes will compete at the Idaho State games in Twin Falls, Idaho on June 9-11.