Big Horn 1 team finds success at Special Olympics

The Area 1 Games for the Special Olympics was held on Thursday in Cody at the Rec Center and a newly combined Big Horn 1 Special Olympics team with athletes from Burlington and Lovell was ready to compete. 

“This year, the team consisted of six athletes, including three first time participants,” said Coach Dana Romriell. “Ella Aagard, Abby Chafee and Connie Owen all returned to represent Big Horn 1 this year in Basketball Skills, while Tyson Ballard, Neko Baker and Levi Deford made their first showing at the Area Games.” 

With fun and determination, the Big Horn 1 team took home a combined total of six medals from the Basketball Skills competition. Tyson, Abby, Connie and Neko all earned gold medals in their divisions and Ella and Levi brought home silvers in their divisions. 

“This was our first Special Olympics event with Tyson, so we didn’t know what to expect. We were very impressed with all the volunteers and the effort that was put into making the event fun for everyone. Tyson had a lot of fun and looks forward to future events,” said mom Valerie Ballard. 

The games serve as a qualifying meet for the State Special Olympic games and Connie and Abby will go on to represent Big Horn 1 in Gillette on April 30 - May 2.