Weightlifters show out at Special Olympics

KELLOGG — It was a pretty spectacular showing for the Silver Valley Superstars at the Special Olympics’ recent Northern Summer Regional Games.

The games were held across the region with events being hosted in Kellogg at Silver Valley Fitness, Post Falls Middle School and Bluegrass Park in Coeur d’Alene.

The Silver Valley’s athletes in particular did quite well at the event according to program organizers.

“All of the Silver Valley Superstars Special Olympics athletes claimed medals and or ribbons in their events which include running, walking, softball throw, cycling and powerlifting,” said Special Olympics coordinator Dianna Possman .

The track and field events were held at PFMS, cycling at Bluegrass Park and powerlifting at Silver Valley Fitness.

Powerlifting athletes April Cason, Andrea Mousseau and Joanne Coast finished first, second, and third respectively in the bench press competition — the trio was also top three in the deadlift with Mousseau and Cason swapping places.

Other locals who competed were Landa Lacey, Wanda Stout, Freya Ulfeng, Kristen Payne and Matthew Best.

“The local coordinators and state leadership did an excellent job, above and beyond, of pulling together just enough volunteers and venues to host this spectacular event for the athletes,” Possman said. “A huge shout out and thank you to all who gave of themselves and their time allowing Special Olympic teams to come together for this event.”

Sue Hansen was involved in the powerlifting portion of the competition and wanted to express her gratitude to the event’s hosts Tommy and Tammie Rahm.

“A special thank you to Tom and Tammie Rahm of Silver Valley Fitness for hosting this competition,” Hanse said. “Thanks also to all the volunteers that gave their time on a Saturday morning to work this meet. We are very grateful for the help and the support of the Special Olympics Powerlifting program.”