Special Olympics Track 2012 State of Oregon Games

Hope and Erik hanging out

So this last weekend was the Oregon State Track Games for 2012. They were held in my old stomping grounds, Newberg, Oregon. This year the weather actually decided to cooperate and be a little nicer. Last year is rained buckets and the athletes look so miserable and soaking wet! The weather was a little warm on Saturday, but there were lots of tents to keep us cool.

Ribbon for softball throw

Anyways, on to the good stuff. So this year my sister competed in two events, the Softball Throw and the 400m walk. I have to tell you, that girl throws a mean softball. Plus, the people at the softball tent were so nice. There was the cutest little boy who was helping out and encouraging all of the athletes to throw as far and as hard as they could. He had a constant stream of encouragements and tips. Not sure where he got all that amazing energy!

Softball throw

Hope placed 5^th in the event, which she was disappointed by, but that only last for so long. Afterwards we went and hung out at the craft tent making bracelets, buttons, and shooting rockets. We also got to meet some really nice police horses and a drug sniffing dog. My mom was asking lots of questions, so we had to give her a hard time about the drug sniffing dog.

Hanging out with the Police

Police Horse

Hanging out and having fun

At 1 pm, Hope had her big event, the 400m walk. Man she was ready to go! We were worried because it was already really warm, and one of the other girls had told her that she was going to win instead. So Hope really needed to focus, and focus she did. She moved and grooved way faster that I could have and got 1^st place! We were so excited! That girl is super fast, even with two knee surgeries. I might have to make her my personal trainer to get into better shape.  

Pulling around the last cornor and in first place

It's way too hot to be moving that fast!

Super focused

First Place and getting her medal!

Mom and Hope showing off their team spirit

We also saw a bunch of people that we had essentially grew up with. It was fun, we saw Joshua, who had gone to pre-school with Hope. It’s weird to think that we have a birthday coming up and we are getting older.

Our friend Josh!

All in all, Hope did great and the Games were a blast. The State Special Olympics did a great job this year with Track and it was nice that it was not so rainy. Looking forward to next years games!

The games were a blast!