Blair Special Olympics gathered at Ralph Steyer Park on Saturday for a celebratory picnic.
A week earlier, May 23-24, the team of athletes and coaches came together at Omaha Northwest High School for Special Olympics Nebraska's annual Summer Games. There, the Blair squad picked up multiple top finishes across several track and field events.
David Harkey was among the most-successful athletes, claiming first in the 800-meter walk, third in the 400 walk and sixth in the mini-javelin.
“For one thing, I walk all over Blair,” the Summer Games champ said, cracking a smile when asked for his secret to success. “And, No. 2, just thinking about what you're doing.”
It's important, he said, not to let your mind wonder when competing in a walking event.
“If you lose focus, you can mess up,” Harkey said.
Nathan Tanderup had multiple top-three finishes across the 100 dash, the 200 dash and the mini-javelin as well, claiming one gold medal. Megan Bailey, meanwhile, was second in both the 100- and 200-meter dashes.
Blair's Bradley Dunham added a third-place result in the softball throw, while Jerry Clift, who is recovering from knee surgery, took eighth in the same event. Matthew Dryden was seventh in the 50-meter race, too.
Harkey said the best part of the Summer Games is being able to compete, but also watching others who've been told they can't do certain things compete, too.
“They prove themselves out there,” he said.
Blair Special Olympics celebrated that fact Saturday, eating burgers, hot dogs, chips, watermelon and cupcakes made to look like Gru's Minions from the movie “Despicable Me.” Next, the athletes, coaches and their families will take part in the Gateway to the West Days parade on Saturday before bocce practice and competition begins into the summer.
