Spaulding Youth Center Participates in Special Olympics New Hampshire State Summer Games

Spaulding Youth Center is excited to announce that thirteen residential students competed in the 2018 Special Olympics New Hampshire State Summer Games held earlier this month at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire. This is the largest group of participating student athletes in recent Spaulding history.

The student athletes’ journey began with practices on campus starting in April and then attending the regional games in May to earn their divisional designations. From the regional games, the athletes advanced to the state summer games.

The Spaulding Youth Center Shooting Stars competed against athletes from dozens of schools across the state of New Hampshire in athletic events, including 50 and 100-meter races, the Softball Throw, the Tennis Ball Throw and the Standing Long Jump.

All participants received a commemorative ribbon and the top three placements received medals. Official divisional results for the Spaulding Youth Center Shooting Stars are as follows:

• 50M Run: 1 gold medal and 3 bronze medals as well as one 4^th place, one 5^th place and one 6^th place
• 50M Walk: One student athlete earned 4^th place
• 100M Run: 1 gold medal and 2 silver medals as well as four 4^th places, one 8^th place, and one 7^th place
• 100M Walk: 2 silver medals
• Mini-Javelin: 1 silver medal
• Softball Throw: 1 gold medal, 1 silver medal and 3 bronze medals as well as one 4^th place, two 7^th places and one 8^th place
• Standing Long Jump: 1 silver medal and 1 bronze medal as well as one 4^th place, one 5^th place and one 7^th place
• Tennis Ball Throw: 2 silver medals and 1 bronze medal

We are especially appreciative of staff leadership which was instrumental to support the student athletes’ success. Key staff include Brian Doyle, who coordinates the Spaulding Special Olympics efforts, Heather Max, who manages all the paperwork and supply needs, as well as Mike Freeman, Nicole Hilliker, Manny Reyes and Mike Schaffnit, who consistently volunteer to help with practices, travel and athletic events.

“I am so proud of the group of student athletes and supportive staff that participated in the State Summer Games,” said Susan C. Ryan, CEO & President of Spaulding Youth Center. “These individuals have regularly trained for their respective sporting events since April. Special Olympics New Hampshire is a fantastic organization that helps our student athletes build self-confidence and enjoy the sense of accomplishment that follows consistent effort and dedication.”

To learn more about Special Olympics New Hampshire, visit http://www.sonh.org.

About Spaulding Youth Center

Spaulding Youth Center is a leading provider of services for children and youth with neurological, emotional, behavioral, learning and/or developmental challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Services include academic, behavioral health, residential, foster care, health and wellness and family support. Our mission is supporting exceptional children and families toward a successful future. Spaulding Youth Center is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For information about Spaulding Youth Center, visit www.spauldingyouthcenter.org.

Click here to download the official press release.

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