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Washington Evening Journal
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Southeast Iowa Flaming Marshmallows host basketball skills challenge
The Southeast Iowa Flaming Marshmallows hosted the Southeast Regional Special Olympics Basketball Skills Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Cambridge Complex in Fairfield. The Southeast Flaming Marshmallows, Fairfield’s local team, sent 11 athletes to compete against over 60 athletes, from 8 counties in Southeast Iowa, to try for a first-place finish that would send them onto the State Special Olympics Spring Classic on March 8 in Coralville. Cannon, Putnam, Patrick Jones, Raina Clement, Bill Shaw, Ian Jones, Lana White and Reese Klett, all won 1st place in their division. Derek Bohrn, won second.
Special Olympics does a great job of matching athletes with their abilities. In addition, it offers a developmental level for those that cannot participate in the Basketball Skills Division. In Developmental Basketball Skills, Dalila Dick and Taylor Phillips, both won gold in Assisted Speed Dribble. Dorotea Orgovanyi, won gold in Unassisted Speed Dribble. Developmental first place finishers will also go to State to show off their skills and compete.
The Southeast Flaming Marshmallows are in their 5th year and are focusing on growth by adding adults to their team. (Special Olympics is open to ages 8-100.) Their goal is to offer a spot for all athletes in Jefferson and surrounding counties, a place to compete, learn a sport, make friends and have fun. In addition to basketball, their team competes in bowling, snowshoe, corn hole, power lifting, soccer and Track & Field.
“We couldn’t have done this without our wonderful fans and donors. We are very fortunate to have such an outpouring of support for our team. This event is always special to us because we brought it back to Fairfield. It gives our athletes the ability to show off their skills in front of their fan base that can’t always travel to see them compete statewide. Fairfield Park & Rec has offered their facility to us for weekly practices and this competition. It’s the perfect place to practice.
HyVee, FCSD and the Jefferson County Sheriff & Deputies also have a huge part in this competition. HyVee provided breakfast and lunches to all Southeast Iowa delegations, Bart Richmond and the Jefferson County deputies handed out awards and we had our local athletes from Fairfield High school as well as a lot of teachers come out and volunteer at the event. The outpouring of local support is overwhelming, and we are so honored to have it here at home. It usually just takes one smile from an athlete, and they are back again every year to help us out. The athletes’ smiles are contagious.” says Head Coach & Delegation Manager, Janel Orgovanyi.
If you would like more information about how to join or support the team, please reach out to Janel Orgovanyi (641-233-8295) or Lisa Phillips at (641) 919-0114 for more information.
