Huge medal haul for Special Olympians
A group of students from CedarBridge Academy and Somerset Primary surpassed all expectations at last month’s Special Olympics Delaware Summer Games in Newark, Delaware.
The 14-member squad returned home with a staggering 44 medals that included 27 gold. The impressive medal haul was the most achieved by a team from Bermuda at this particular event.
“It was an awesome and excellent experience,” Allison Zuill, the assistant coach and manager, said.
“Overall, the athletes were on target and their performances certainly surpassed our expectations.”
Representing the Island in Delaware were Kirk Dill, Del-Che Landy, J’Naysha Maloney, Bridgett Marshall, Mahalia Maynard, Kenllin Perinchief, Justin Smith, Nahziri Smith, Azori Stewart, Christopher Talbot, Solay Thomas, Shaqune Whitehurst, Uriah Williams and Dorjah Young.
Leading the charge was sprinter Perinchief who won the gold in the girls’ 8-15 200, 50 and 100 metres dash as well as the 4?x?100 relay. Walkers Thomas and Maloney also won six gold medals between them.
Thomas won gold medals in the girls’ 16-20 200, 100 and 50 metres while Maloney took the gold in the girls’ 8-16 25, 50 and 100 metres events.
“Bermuda should be proud of these athletes because of their performances and the fact we do not get this opportunity other than going overseas,” Zuill added.
Also travelling with the team was Ricky Watts, the head coach. and former Chicago Bears wide receiver.
Medal winners
Kirk Dill (gold 50, 100 and 4x100 relay, bronze 200)
Del-Che Landy (gold 400, 4?x?100 relay, silver 200, bronze 800)
J’Naysha Maloney (gold 25, 50 and 100 walk)
Bridgett Marshall (gold 100 and 400 walk)
Mahalia Maynard (gold 4?x?100 relay, silver 100 and 200)
Kenllin Perinchief (gold 50, 100, 200, 4?x?100 relay)
Justin Smith (golf 4 x?100 relay, silver shot put, 200, 400)
Nahziri Smith (gold 200, bronze 50, 100)
Azori Stewart (gold 200, silver 100, bronze 400)
Christopher Talbot (gold 50 walk, softball throw, silver 200 walk)
Solay Thomas (gold 50, 100, 200 walk)
Shaqune Whitehurst (gold 200, 400 walk)
Uriah Williams (gold 25 walk, silver 100 walk, bronze 50 walk)
Dorjah Young (gold 200 walk, silver 400 walk, bronze 100 walk).
