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Over 1,900 Participants and 735 Volunteers Enjoy Special Olympics Summer State Games

Newberg, OR. The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) celebrated its 30th Anniversary of supporting Special Olympics Oregon participants. Over 1,000 officers and athletes relayed the Flame of Hope throughout Oregon, which culminated in the Final Leg at Summer State Games July 9th and 10th in Newberg. Athletes competed in Athletics (Track & Field), Softball, Bocce and Golf.

Governor Kate Brown also visited the delegations before the Games Ceremony.

The Flame of Hope is delivered to the opening ceremony at the Newberg High School track.

Bocce takes concentration and attracts athletes of all ages.

Track and Field is always competitive.

Catherine Guider rounds the bases during the state softball tournament.

Special awards honored outstanding people.

Travis Koski from the Washington County Local Program was honored with the ‘Pride in Performance Athlete Award.’ He has been participating in Special Olympics Oregon for 7 years. Travis has grown to be very social and active. He strives to do his best, whether it be in athletics or academics and continues to inspire others with his positive outlook on life.

Carmen Dowell received the Pride in ‘Performance Volunteer Award.’ She is a Co-Local Program Coordinator, coach, assistant coach and unified partner for the Cottage Grove/Creswell Local Program and is dedicated to providing as many opportunities to athletes as possible.

The Ken Davis Unsung Hero Award was given to Officer Pam Ramsey from McMinnville Police Department. She has been involved with the Oregon Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) since 2010. She has been instrumental in coordinating the McMinnville Police Department leg of the Torch Run, their annual Tip-a-Cop and has also inspired other agencies to start their own fundraising efforts.

The 33rd ANNUAL ‘BITE OF OREGON’ on AUG 12,13,14 2016 is the next big fundraising event for Special Olympics Oregon. It’s a celebration of Oregon, its food, its people and its quality of life.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.