Tuscarawas County Rockets return to competition

Tuscarawas County Rockets return to competition
Submitted

The Rockets took two volleyball teams to compete at the Medina Volleyball invite. Both teams earned bronze medals.

                        

Like many athletes and sports programs across the state, Tuscarawas County Special Olympics had to do things differently during the COVID-19 pandemic. This included ceasing competition with other counties and teams, halting travel plans, limiting practice and spectators, and switching to a more remote model utilizing Zoom, social media and email.

While the Rockets, under the leadership of some of their athletes, volunteers and coordinator, made the most of these times and did what they could according to the guidelines, they still longed for something more. They yearned for the times when they could all be together with the community supporting them at what they love most — sports.

On June 2 the Rockets got their wish. They were permitted to return to sports without restrictions (although still encouraged to follow CDC recommendations and proper hygiene).

This return resulted in the Rockets participating in two bocce meets, two track meets, a volleyball invite and bowling practice. The Rockets also will host their own three-on-three basketball tournament at Strasburg-Franklin Schools on June 26 at 10 a.m. Athletes from at least seven counties will join in on this first-ever event. The idea for the event came from athlete-leaders Alex Adkins and Matthew Medley.

At their various meets and tournaments, the Rockets brought home a range of hardware, mostly gold, silver and bronze. A few of the highlights of the events were Max Burnham breaking the meet record in the mini javelin throw, Medley earning a PR in the running long jump, both the Silver and Maroon volleyball teams earning bronze medals, and the bocce duos of Robert Easlick and Rodney Fuller and Chelsea Lefler and Logan Wise capturing gold.

Anyone wishing to get involved or to volunteer (currently looking for volunteers for both team and skills softball and golf) can email Richelle Lefler at tuscarawascountyspecialolympic@gmail.com.

Additionally, the Rockets are looking for help for the three-on-three tournament (scoreboard keepers, statisticians, announcers and more). Email Lefler or visit Facebook (Tuscarawas County Special Olympics - Rockets Proud).


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