Eleven Paynesville athletes competed against athletes from surrounding schools. Competing from Paynesville were: Matt Bayer, Yvette Lounsbury, Michael Naujokas, Katherine Parks, Dallas Richardson, Crystal and Dustin Rudy, Danny Schutz, Christopher and Michael Sturtz, and Erica Wander.
Athletes were divisioned according to skill level and competed in individual, lead-up, or team competition.
The Paynesville youth were awarded the following ribbons:
First place: Matt Bayer, Michael Naujokas, Danny Schutz, Chris and Mike Sturtz.
Second place: Yvette Lounsbury, Dallas Richardson, Erica Wander.
Third place: Katherine Parks, Dustin Rudy.
Fifth place: Crystal Rudy.
Paynesville also had two teams competing in lead-up basketball. This competition allows the athletes to compete as a team without the use of defensive strategies. Paynesville teams earned a second and third place awards for the lead-up basketball events.
Anyone interested in more information regarding Special Olympics should contact Lori Asche at the Paynesville Area Elementary School 320-243-3725.