|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
For the first time in program history, an athlete from Tri-Valley REACH 4 T-RADD sports teams has been nominated to compete at the Special Olympics World Games in Chile next year.
Track athlete Clarise Walkup received the honor after first-place performances in the 100-meter and 200-meter runs and the running long jump event at the Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games last month in Santa Clara, according to T-RADD coach Kay King.
“This is an incredible honor and T-RADD coaches cannot be prouder of this athlete’s determination and drive to be the best, not only in our community, but in the world,” King told the Pleasanton Weekly.
Walkup was among 37 T-RADD athletes – including six first-time participants, some of whom were younger than 12 years old – who trained for eight weeks this spring before the Summer Games qualifiers May 16 at Freedom High School in Oakley.
“One of the largest track and field teams in T-RADD history, this year’s group demonstrated remarkable dedication, determination and team spirit throughout the season,” King said. “Athletes trained every Tuesday evening at Pleasanton Middle School under the guidance of T-RADD coaches, preparing for a variety of events including the 50m walk/run, 100m walk/run, 200M run, 400M run, 800M run, 1500M run, shot put, long jump and turbo javelin throwing.”
“One of the highlights from this season, beyond the incredible improvement in their skill level, was the camaraderie, encouragement and new friendships that developed over the two months,” King added. “For many athletes, it is the ultimate goal to be selected for Summer Games and one of the reasons they work so hard all season!”
Several T-RADD athletes who won gold at the Spring Games advanced to represent the team at the Summer Games June 26-28 at Santa Clara University, joining more than one thousand other athletes and coaches from 30-plus counties.
From that competition, Walkup earned a nomination to participate in the World Games set for next year in Santiago, Chile.
With the track season done, REACH 4 T-RADD is gearing up with its Bike to Bridges cycling team, King noted. For more information, visit trivalleyreach.org.
