ARIZONA NEWS

Special Olympics Arizona athletes win 44 medals at USA Games

Jun 17, 2022, 4:35 AM | Updated: 11:16 am

PHOENIX — Special Olympics Arizona athletes took home 44 medals at the 2022 USA Games in Orlando that concluded on Sunday.

“This was such a great week and a moment that our athletes will cherish forever,” Jamie Heckerman, president and CEO of Special Olympics Arizona, said in a press release.

“I am so proud of Team Arizona, they competed, they had fun, they overcame challenges and most importantly, made new friends and really showcased what Special Olympics is all about – becoming champions for a more inclusive world. It was a truly magical experience, we can’t wait to do it again in four years.”

The group from Arizona that featured more than 115 athletes, partners and coaches earned 16 gold medals, 20 silver medals and eight bronze medals in the competition.

Special Olympic Arizona received gold medals in flag football, competitive cheer, swimming (8), athletics (2), powerlifting (2), stand-up paddleboard and track and field.

The USA Games are made up of 19 Olympic-style team and individual sports.

More than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states participated in the competition in front of 125,000 spectators, according to the official website.

More information about Special Olympics Arizona can be found on the organization’s website.

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Special Olympics Arizona athletes win 44 medals at USA Games