East athletes to go for gold at Special Olympics RI competition

By PAM SCHIFF
Posted 4/24/19

By PAM SCHIFF It's been almost 30 years since Cranston High School East athletes last took part in a Special Olympics Rhode Island competition. This year, they are making a comeback in the track and field division. East athletes will compete in the East

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East athletes to go for gold at Special Olympics RI competition

Posted

It’s been almost 30 years since Cranston High School East athletes last took part in a Special Olympics Rhode Island competition.

This year, they are making a comeback in the track and field division. East athletes will compete in the East Bay Area Games scheduled for Sunday, April 28, in Middletown.

Special education teacher and coach Trista Watson said she is very excited for the seven student athletes competing this year.

“These athletes have been training twice a week at Cranston West track,” she said. “We are excited for Cranston East to be able to offer this opportunity for our students. They have worked super hard to prepare themselves for the Area Games on Sunday, and are excited to compete.”

Sophomore Dylan Needham is competing in the 200-meter walk and can’t wait for his mom, dad, grandmother, grandfather and sisters, Mallory and Alyssa, to watch him.

“I am ready to win. I think I am the fastest,” he said.

Competing against Dylan is senior Brandon Kue. Throwing some smack talk around, he stated, “I’m going to win the gold medal.”

Lily Almeida, a freshman, is participating in the 50-meter dash. She will be cheered on by her mom and an aunt.

Lily said she is also very confident in her skills.

“I run the fastest and I will win a gold medal,” she said.

Hillary Canelo, a senior, is running the 100-meter dash. He mom and sister will be cheering her on, and she also has her sights set on winning.

“I’m super fast. I always want to win,” she said.

Dennis DeJesus, a Cranston East alum and CEO of Special Olympics RI, said he is excited to see the school’s athletes return to competition.

“I will always be a Thunderbolt. I’m so proud of their participation in our Unified Champion Schools program and as an independent team,” he said. “This is a school community that embraces inclusion, acceptance and respect. Go Bolts, and go for the gold!”

The competition begins with opening ceremonies at 10:30 a.m. and will be held at Gaudet Middle School, 1113 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown.

For more information, visit specialolympicsri.org. 

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