A team from Lincoln County (in blue jerseys) play volleyball in the Special Olympics Fall State Games in Beaverton.It was a weekend of serves, sets, and bumps when two teams of Special Olympics athletes and unified partners represented Lincoln County in volleyball at the Special Olympics Fall State Games in Beaverton on Nov. 22-23.
Special Olympic volleyball players from Lincoln County were coached by Donna Thorpe and Cassie Kampf.A total of 20 players and two coaches took to the courts, playing teams from around the state. The number of Lincoln County participants meant dividing into two teams – Tiger Sharks 1 and Tiger Sharks 2.
Athleticism wasn’t the only thing on display. Good sportsmanship and encouragement for all were constant themes, not only toward fellow team members, but competing athletes as well. As a result, Lincoln County’s Tiger Sharks 2 took home the sportsmanship award in the Unified Division. Unified teams are comprised of individuals with and without intellectual disabilities.
The teams were coached by Donna Thorpe and Cassie Kampf, who guided the athletes through months of practice in advance of the tournament. Although the teams did not medal, they were stellar representatives of Lincoln County.
— Angela Nebel
Members of the Lincoln County Special Olympic teams – Tiger Sharks 1 and Tiger Sharks 2 — pose for a picture at the end of the tournament last weekend in Beaverton.Have a photo and short story to share? Send it here.
