Special Olympics fundraiser collects more than $14,000, games to start June 3
Michelle Trombley cannot wait to compete in the Special Olympics Michigan 2010 State Summer Games.
The Alma resident will compete in swimming the 50-meter backstroke twice and the 25-meter freestyle once.
Trombley has previously competed in basketball, softball, hockey, handball and track and field – but this will be her first year in the water.
“I think I’ll either get first or second,” Trombley said. “I get medals in all the events I do, I don’t really bring home any ribbons.”
The Summer Games take place from June 3 to 5 on the campus of Central Michigan University. The opening ceremonies start at 6:30 p.m. June 3.
Finance and Administrative Services and the academic administration at CMU have competed against each other from April 1 to Friday to see who can raise the most money for the event, said Administrative Assistant Heidi Alexander.
The different departments raised money by selling $1 medallions and sponsoring athletes for $60 each.
The academic division raised $4,240 and FAS raised $10,168.01, a total sum of $14,408.01.
“This is a wonderful turnout,” said Mike Roethlisberger, director of Internal Audit. “It seems like it goes up each year.”
The total amount of money was collected and awards were given to participants Friday in the Bovee University Center President’s Conference Room.
Alexander said the competition has been playful, with different departments taunting each other by posting its sold medallions around its offices and showing off to competitors.
Shepherd Resident John Sura has competed for many years and went to the international competition for volleyball in 1996.
He said he is a retired weightlifter who enjoys walking and softball throwing.
Purdy said the only age requirement is that competitors must be at least 8-years-old.
“We have athletes that are in their seventies,” Purdy said.
Mount Pleasant resident Ryan Stremlow and Alma resident David “Big Daddy” Peterson will compete in various track and field events including the 200 meter long jump and 4 x 100 meter relay.
Stremlow said he has competed in the games for nine years, starting at about age 13.
“The best part is having fun,” Stremlow said.
Peterson has been training for track and field since March, which meant a lot of running and careful dieting.
“Can you believe a big guy like me can run?” Peterson said.
David Burdette, vice president for Finance and Administrative Services, received a trophy for helping FAS raise more than $10,000.
“I’m very proud,” Burdette said. “It’s a great cause and it’s really great to watch these athletes.”
