BY MATTHEW CHINN
newsroom@newsandtribune.com
JEFFERSONVILLE —
Four local athletes showed they’re a force to be reckoned with at the 2010 Special Olympics National Games. Jordan Sisco, Bobby Hilbert and Jason Evans competed in the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games in Lincoln, Neb. earlier this month.
Jordan Sisco, 20, of Jeffersonville, earned four gold medals in aquatics. He finished first in the 50-yard backstroke, 50-yard breaststroke, 50-yard freestyle and the 4 by 100-yard freestyle relay. He was quick to point out that his relay team consisted of himself, Sam Fawley, of Logansport, Mitch Johnson, of Muncie and Ryan Brogran, from Indianapolis.
“I took all of the training I’ve been given and did the best I could,” he said.
Sisco, who was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, has been competing in the Special Olympics for 13 years. He said he practiced every Friday night to prepare before the national games.
Jason Evans, 40, of Jeffersonville, earned a bronze medal with the help of his nondisabled partner, Michael Burk, from Elizabeth. Evans, who suffers from a schizophrenia affective disorder, got involved with the Special Olympics more than 30 years ago when he saw the program on television. Ever since, he’s stayed active and said he felt fantastic about the national games.
“I made friends that will last forever,” he said, “and friends are better than any medal.”
Burk, 26, said the two didn’t play their best game, but still enjoyed themselves.
“Really, we just got out there and had fun,” he said.
Also on the golf course, Bobby Hilbert, 52, of Jeffersonville, finished fourth in the nine-hole stock play event. Hilbert, who is developmentally disabled, got involved with Special Olympics more than 25 years ago. He previously medaled in the organization’s winter games. He said he practiced every week and was proud with his performance.
All four winners participate in the local Clark County Special Olympics Program.
“Team Indiana did a fantastic job representing the Hoosier State,” said Scott Mingle, director of program operations for Special Olympics Indiana and head of delegation for Team Indiana. “Our medal count is an indicator of the team’s outstanding performance, but even more importantly, everyone tried their best and had a positive attitude. We definitely gave the other states a run for their money.”
Anita Howard, Clark County Special Olympics coordinator, said she was impressed with the county athletes that participated.
“I’m very proud of all of them,” she said. “They all represented Indiana very well.”
The national games are every four years. Winners at the state and regional levels go on to compete at the national games.
According to a press release, the national games were the largest sporting event in Nebraska history. The 13 sporting events were participated in by 3,000 athletes from all 50 states. The games also included about 1,000 coaches and official delegates and brought together 8,000 volunteers and 30,000 spectators.
Evans said the Special Olympics athletes are some of the best in the world.
“Give us a chance and you’ll be surprised what we can do,” he said.
— Matthew Chinn is a freelance journalist who lives in Jeffersonville and attends Indiana University Southeast.
