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The Special Olympics team from Paynesville included: (front, left to right) Missy Everson, Josh Sturtz, Crystal Rudy, and Michael Powers; (middle) Chris Sturtz, Dallas Richardson; (back) Dustin Rudy, Michael Naujokas, Erica Wander, Mike Sturtz, and Matt Bayer.

Local athletes included: Matt Bayer, Melissa Everson, Michael Powers, Michael Naujokas, Crystal Rudy, Dustin Rudy, Christopher Sturtz, Josh Sturtz, Michael Sturtz, and Erica Wander.

Athletes were divisioned according to skill level and competed in individual track and field events. Paynesville athletes also participated in the relay competition.

Standing long jump:
1st place: Dustin Rudy, Josh Sturtz, Erica Wander
2nd place: Crystal Rudy

Running long jump:
1st place: Michael Naujokas, Mike Sturtz
2nd place: Matt Bayer, Chris Sturtz

Softball throw:
2nd place: Michael Powers
3rd place: Missy Everson

50-meter run:
3rd place: Missy Everson

100-meter race:
1st place: Dustin Rudy
2nd place: Crystal Rudy

200-meter race:
1st place: Chris Sturtz, Matt Bayer
2nd place: Naujokas, Erica Wander

400-meter race:
1st place: Josh Sturtz
2nd place: Powers, Mike Sturtz

Paynesville had two teams compete in the 4x100 relay event. Team 1 took first place in their divison. The athletes were Matt Bayer, Michael Naujokas, Dustin Rudy, and Erica Wander. Team 2 placed second in their division. Athletes on Team 2 were Crystal Rudy, Chris Sturtz, Josh Sturtz, and Mike Sturtz.

The Paynesville athletes did a tremendous job of representing our schools. Several of the local athletes are now eligible to attend the State Special Olympics Summer Games held at the University of Minnesota in June.