Local athletes dominate summer games

SANDUSKY — Local athletes not only participated but many also placed at a statewide athletic competition with several bringing home medals in the bronze, silver and gold varieties. Several locals representing an Erie County squad, known as the Bucks, competed in the Ohio Special Olympics 2025 State Summer Games, which occurred June 13-15 at Ohio State University in Columbus. Those representing the Bucks made up more than 3,000 athletes from across Ohio taking part in this year's games. Statewide, there are about 180 local member organizations — such as in Erie and Huron counties — with more than 21,000 athletes who train and compete in regulated games. "The mission of Special Olympics Ohio is to provide year-round sports training and competition opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities," according to an organizational statement. Furthermore, this year marked the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics Ohio. "Special Olympics contributes to the physical, social and psychological development of the athletes," it continued. "Through successful experiences in sports, they gain confidence and build a positive self-image which carries over into the classroom, home, job and community." Local winners From Erie County, here are the athletes who participated and how they did. Gold medal winners: • Michael Herwat in the 100-meter dash • David Lent in the long jump • Lee McBride in the mini javelin Silver medal winners: • Andrew Brown in the 100-meter dash • Matt Campbell in the 50-meter dash • Jake Henrichsen in the shot put • Herwat in the long jump • Jeb McFarlin in the 100-meter dash • Aaron Reed in the 400-meter walk • Herwat, Zach Kibler, Lent and McFarlin in the 4x100-meter relay • Toni Cantito and Dylan Sams in doubles bocce • Alexis Deninger and Stephanie Gressman in doubles bocce Bronze medal winners: • Brown in the mini javelin • Ethan Lombardo in the long jump and the 100-meter dash • Kibler in the mini javelin • Reed in the shot put Other participants for Erie County: Tina Arroyo, Jeremy Champion and Philip Rohrbacher In Erie County, its Special Olympics board consists of all volunteers. No one takes a salary or receives compensation in any form. Each helper takes great pride in seeing locals compete year-round, including at marquee competitions like the Ohio Special Olympics Summer Games. "Our local athletes look forward to this event every year," Erie County board member Dave Baumgartner said. "The athletes begin training and practicing for the competition starting in early April each year. The state games include special needs athletes from all 88 counties and give our local athletes an opportunity to compete with others from across the entire state." Baumgartner noted how, "It's amazing to see the thrill these athletes get from competing and participating."