Results Released for the 2024 Special Olympics North Carolina Summer Games: Multiple Dare County Participants Receive Medals
SONC Summer Games – A Glorious Conclusion
The 2024 Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) Summer Games came to a triumphant conclusion on June 2 in the Raleigh area. The competitive weekend saw over 1,500 Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners, including individuals without intellectual disabilities, from all corners of North Carolina vying for victory in diverse sports such as athletics, basketball, bowling, gymnastics, powerlifting, swimming and volleyball.
Given the magnitude of the nationwide event, it was hosted at various venues across Raleigh, Cary, and Holly Springs. Athletes were classified into divisions according to age, gender, and ability level to ensure fairness in the competition. Medals were awarded to the top three performers in each division – gold, silver, and bronze, with ribbons given out to those who finished from fourth to eighth place.
Participation from All over North Carolina
In a mesmerizing show of unity and athleticism, the athletes representing their respective regions came from Alamance, Alleghany, Avery, Beaufort/Hyde, and many other counties/agencies. Dare County, in particular, saw multiple participants stepping up to finish on the podium, marking a significant impact on the results of the competition.
Opening Ceremony and Law Enforcement Torch Run
The 2024 SONC Summer Games officially kicked off with the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics North Carolina (NC LETR) Final Leg of the Torch Run Relay. The Opening Ceremony, which took place on Friday, May 31 at the Reynolds Coliseum in the campus of North Carolina State University, saw law enforcement officials present the Circle of Honor and light the cauldron, marking the commencement of the Games. The spectacle was made even more striking with performances from the Special Theatre Arts of Raleigh (STAR), Cirque de Vol, and Premier School of Dance.
A Tribute to Volunteers and Sponsors
The 2024 Special Olympics would not have been possible without the support and dedication from nearly 1,200 volunteers, individual sponsors, and corporate sponsors. With athletes not required to pay for their participation, organizing an event of this scale is a heavy undertaking, and every bit of support is both crucial and greatly appreciated.
Dare County’s Distinct Showing
With multiple participants claiming medals, Dare County truly made a name for itself in this year’s Special Olympics. Their participants’ resilience, perseverance, and skills were proudly on display, earning them an admired place among the different regions represented in the games. The 2024 Special Olympics North Carolina Summer Games not only marked a gratifying end but also paved the way for exciting new beginnings in the world of Special Olympics.
