WOODSTOCK — Special Olympics Addison County Nordic, alpine and snowshoe teams recently wrapped up another great season at the Winter Games in Woodstock. The event was hosted by Suicide Six on March 8 and 9.
Members of the Nordic team included Hugh Kennedy, Mary LaFountain, Amy Vachon, David Bishop and Abby LaFramboise. The skiers competed in three events apiece, which ranged from 100 meters to 1 kilometer, as well as the 3X1K relay.
Members of the snowshoe team included Sean Fahey, Sandra Manning, Ronnie Metcalf, Clifford Bell, Baird Spears, Carrie Wilch and Joanne O’Brien. They competed in 25-, 50- and 100-meter races as well as the longer 200- and 400-meter races. Addison County also had a spirited and determined team in the 4X100 meter relay.
The alpine team members included Herb Gingrich, Al Plue, Steve Welsh, Emily Walsh and Rowan Riggs. Skiers competed in slalom one day and giant slalom and super G the next. Eight weeks of hard work at practice resulted in gold, silver and bronze medals being awarded for great efforts by all of the Addison County competitors.
“Everyone skied and snow shoed with determination and enthusiasm and had a wonderful time,” said Bill Cunningham, alpine coach for Special Olympics Addison County.
Members and coaches of the Nordic and snowshoe teams said they were very appreciative of everyone at the Rikert Nordic Center in Ripton for being so welcoming and providing such a fantastic place to ski. The alpine team would like to thank all of the staff as well as the ski club at the Snow Bowl for providing first-class conditions and a fun place to ski.
The athletes also offered their hearty appreciation to their many supporters, businesses, and those who provided encouragement so that they had an opportunity to compete. Special thanks went to Don MacIntosh, Carol Adams, Sarah Bourne, Howard Widelitz, and Heidi and Bill Cunningham who have coached the athletes during this year.