On Tuesday, April 11, Marion County Special Olympics athletes excelled at the 2023 Spring Games at Indianola. 

Events included run/walks, javelin, softball throw, wheelchair race and a tennis ball throw. Athletes who competed from the area included those from Pleasantville, Carlisle, Indianola and Knoxville to name a few.

On Tuesday, April 25, two Marion County Special Olympics athletes competed in the Swim Competition at the Waukee YMCA. First place medal winners will advance to the State Summer Games at Iowa State University on May 25, 26 and 27.

There were quite a few first place finishes. For results go to KNIA/KRLS News.com and read the rest of the story Special Olympic Athlete Michelle Turnage wrote on this story.

The results from the Track Meet were:

Alex Alder, Pleasantville: 3rd Place-50 Meter Walk and Mini-Javelin Throw.Shawn Barker, Carlisle: 1st Place-1500 Meter Run and Softball Throw.Cameron Cross, Pleasantville: 1st Place-50 Meter Dash and Softball Throw.Taylor Fearno, Pleasantville: 1st Place-Mini-Javelin Throw and 50 Meter Dash.Ben Heywood, Knoxville: 1st Place-100 Meter Dash and Softball Throw.Charlie Leavitt, Knoxville: 1st Place-30 Meter Slalom Wheelchair Race and Tennis Ball Throw.

Joe Morgan, Pleasantville: 1st Place-Shot Put, 8th Place-100 Meter Dash.Ashley Morrow, Indianola: 1st Place-100 Meter Dash and Softball Throw.Tegan Ripperger, Pleasantville: 1st Place-50 Meter Walk and Softball Throw.Michelle Turnage, Pleasantville: 1st Place-50 Meter Dash, 2nd Place-Mini Javelin Throw.

Unified Relay team (Taylor Fearno, Jesse Smith, Joe Morgan, Yusef Gully): 2nd Place-4 x 100 Meter Relay.

Their results for swimming were:

Marissa Schletzbaum, Pleasantville: 1st Place-25 Yard Backstroke, 2nd Place-25 Yard Freestyle.

Jacob Hindman, Knoxville: 1st Place-25 Yard Backstroke, 1st Place- 25 Yard Freestyle.

First Place Medal winners will advance to the State Summer Games at Iowa State University on May 25, 26 & 27.