Elise Coyle is a reporter with the Community News Service, part of the University of Vermont’s Reporting & Documentary Storytelling program.
Ryan Farrington eyed the green and red bocce balls between the rails of his specially designed ramp, a device that looked like part of a roller coaster track.
With his family by his side, the Rutland athlete pushed each ball down the ramp and watched them shoot across the grass as he tried to get as close as possible to the target.
“He is quietly observing, but he loves every second,” said his mother Michele Farrington. “It’s great to get to be a part of a team.”
Ryan, whose speech is limited, nodded in agreement from his wheelchair.
The sentiment was echoed by players, coaches and organizers alike during the Special Olympics Vermont Summer Games last weekend. For two days, 12 delegations from across the state gathered at St. Michael’s College to compete and celebrate with athletes like Farrington.
“We get to put the athletes’ talents on display,” said Susannah Kelley, a bocce coach and board member for Special Olympics Vermont. “More importantly, what we get to see is the teamwork that comes together and then, of course, the sportsmanship.”
The organization brought together some 500 delegates this year for the event, which is free for both athletes and attendees.
Following the opening ceremony Friday, the Games kicked off with basketball and bocce competitions Saturday morning.
Several bocce courts lined the field, with tents for each delegation set up on either side. Volunteers worked to track scores and organize the games, while athletes competed in teams of two to four.
Brothers Matthew and Ben Spinney were at the Games playing bocce for the Chittenden County delegation.
“I have fun, and everybody gets gold medals,” said Ben.
Jessie Huntoon, an assistant coach for the Central Vermont delegation, was standing by as athlete Jerry Weston faced Farrington on the bocce field.
Huntoon has been involved with Special Olympics Vermont for over a decade. She initially began as an assistant for day programs before helping house athletes.
“I fell in love with the people,” Huntoon said.
She lives with athlete Rachael Skinder. The two go to concerts, Broadway shows and more.
“We have a blast,” Huntoon said.
Camaraderie at the games was not limited to bocce. On the basketball courts, teams competed together in hopes of winning gold.
Athlete Jeremy Flemming from the Windham Wizards has been playing basketball for almost 30 years.
“I love having fun with the team and being a leader,” Flemming said.
Jeremy and the Wizards went on to win their division. But winning wasn’t the only important part of the event.
“I’ve seen athletes go from not wanting to socialize to dancing and meeting friends,” said Rhonda Mercier, head of the Franklin County Maple Leafs delegation.
The Special Olympics can also fill a gap for athletes with disabilities after high school.
The national org runs a sports-centered program called Unified Champion Schools, which tries to make K-12 schools welcoming for all students. Farrington, the Rutland athlete, has been playing bocce for almost a decade and began in elementary school as part of the program.
Kelsey Conway, a vice president at Special Olympics Vermont, has worked at the organization for over six years and seen firsthand how the Games can benefit athletes and volunteers alike.
“The perspective on life that our athletes have is so inspiring and really, really helps to put things into perspective,” Conway said. “You’re with a whole bunch of people who are just happy to be there and happy to be living life.”
Special Olympics Vermont will meet again in St. Albans for the Fall Games on Sept. 14.
