Special Olympics Rhode Island East Providence

June 4, 2018

On the weekend of June 1st thru June 3rd, the Special Olympics team from East Providence competed in the Special Olympics of Rhode Island’s 2018 State Summer Games, held on the campus of URI. Over 2,000 Athletes from all over the state (including 21 from East Providence) gather together for a weekend of competition including Aquatics, Bowling, Bicycling, Power lifting, Soccer, and Track & Field.
The weather for the weekend, which is always important, worked out. We just had a little rain during Saturday afternoon, but all of the outdoor competitions went on without any issues.
This was also a very special year as Special Olympics celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Friday evening they had Opening Ceremonies, where they have the Parade of Athletes. This year all of the teams marched into the Ryan Center and are cheered on by their friends and family. We were unbelievably fortunate to have Dr. Timothy Shriver, chairman of Special Olympics International and the son of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who is the founder of Special Olympics, speak to the gathering. Then they have the lighting of the Olympic Torch. This is always an inspirational moment. Then to complete the evening, we were all treated to a concert by Rhode Island resident and runner up on The Voice, Billy Gillman.
Saturday was the second day of competition and there was also some additional outside activities provided by Special Olympics of Rhode Island. They had music, Zumba lessons, Yoga lessons, craft making activities, massage booths, and even a Llama petting Zoo. Then later that evening they have Closing ceremonies which was highlighted by the parade of over 550 motorcycles and an outdoor dance party. The motorcycle riders even joined the athletes as they took pictures, listened to the music, and even danced. Then the evening was topped off by a Fireworks display.
It is so enjoyable to see the athletes dance and celebrate with the same athletes that they competed so hard against during the day’s competition. The amount of sportsmanship, effort, and courage that is on display during the weekend is truly inspirational. Seeing the look on the athlete’s faces, as family and friends cheer them on, is one you will not soon forget.
Below are the results of the athletes from the Special Olympics of East Providence team at the 2018 State Summer Games.




Results:

Matthew Allienello: Shot Put – Gold
Jessica Bullock: 50 Meter – 5th place, 100 Meter – 4th place
Michael Bullock: 100 Meter – Gold, 200 Meter - Silver
Katie Carcieri: 50 Meter – Bronze, Softball Throw – 4th place Geoffrey Carpenter: 50 Meter – Silver, 100 Meter – Gold Michael Conheeny: 50 Meter – Bronze, Softball Throw – Bronze Elizabeth Davenport: Softball Throw – Bronze, Turbo-Jav – Silver
Kevin Dexter: 100 Meter – 4th place, 200 Meter – Silver
Kerri Dwyer: 50 Meter – Silver, 100 Meter – 4th place
Emmet Estrada: 100 Meter – Bronze, 200 Meter - Gold Peter (PJ) Kochan: 50 Meter – Bronze, Softball Throw – Gold
Troy Lewis: 50 Meter – 5th place, 100 Meter – Silver
David Marshall: 50 Meter – 5th place , Shot Put – Gold
Brett Nadrowski: Softball Throw – Silver, Turbo-Jav – Gold
Michael Neves: 50 Meter – 4th place, Turbojav – 4th place Logan O’Rourke: 50 Meter – Silver, Softball Throw – Gold
Ben Patch: 50 Meter – Silver, 100 Meter – Gold
Toneka Rocha: 50 Meter – Gold, 100 Meter – Silver
Denzel Sivels: 50 Meter – Silver, Softball Throw – Silver
Jonathan Solis: 50 Meter – Bronze, Softball Throw – Gold
Anitra Valles: 50 Meter – Bronze, Softball Throw – Silver

Head Coach: Jim Bullock
Assistant Coaches: Pat Bullock, Al Carpenter, Saul Estrada
Chaperones: Kathy Davenport and Tori DeCotis
Volunteers: Jalyn Alves, Diane Carpenter, Stacy and Stephen Nadrowski

Thanks to all of the chaperones, partners, volunteers, and parents who helped and supported our program during this 2018 past season. “Special Thanks” to the Patch family, for providing and setting up a 20 ft. x 30 ft. tent for the athletes at URI.

If anyone wants to know more about the Special Olympics program here in East Providence, they can contact me.
Regards,

Jim Bullock Head Coach
93 Ruth Avenue
Rumford, RI 02916
401-438-8799