Eleven schools were represented in the competition.
Paynesville athletes competing were Matt Bayer, Yvette Lounsbury, Michael Naujokas, Crystal and Dustin Rudy, Chris, Michael, and Josh Sturtz, and Erica Wander.
The athletes were divisioned according to skill level and competed in individual track and field events. The relay competitions were canceled due to thunder and lightning.
The following ribbons were awarded to each athlete based on their skills and appropriate division.
Standing long jump:
first place, Michael Naujokas, Mike Sturtz, Dustin Rudy, Yvette Lounsbury;
second place, Erica Wander, Matt Bayer, and Chris Sturtz;
Softball throw:
first place, Crystal Rudy;
third place, Josh Sturtz;
50-meter dash:
second place, Crystal Rudy;
100-meter race:
first place, Michael Sturtz;
second place, Dustin Rudy;
200-meter race:
first place, Matt Bayer, Yvette Lounsbury, and Erica Wander;
second place, Chris Sturtz;
400-meter race:
first place, Josh Sturtz;
second place, Mike Sturtz.
Despite the weather, the Paynesville athletes did a tremendous job of representing the Paynesville Area Elementary and Middle schools. Anyone interested in more information regarding Special Olympics should contact Lori Asche at the elementary school, 320-243-3725.