CHS Special Olympians Perfom Well in Swim Events

Bailey Garrett, Charger Staff

On Friday March 22, 2002, eleven CHS students competed in the swimming section of the Special Olymipcs at the Putnam county YMCA.. CHS had an excellent showing at the event

According to Cookeville High School teacher, Mrs. Artley, “ I think what is good about Special Olympics is that it gives special needs students an opportunity to compete at their own ability level. “

In the special olympics, athletes are grouped by ability level . “This gives them a fair chance,” according to Artley. If there were no Special olympics, millions of special needs people would not have the opportunity to compete in sporting events.

Events at the YMCA began at nine o’clock in the morning. In addition to the Special Olympic athletes , there were many other CHS students who helped the event go smoothly ranging from peer buddies to YMCA employees to swim teammembers.

This year, once again, the Cookeville High School team took first place in the relay event. Swimmers included Michael Flatt , Tyler Long, Stuart Dilldine, and John Byrne. freddie Lopez took home two fourth places and Willie Ray also brought home a fourth place ribbon. Byrne placed first and second in both of his individual events and Christie Bennett took first place in both of her event. Also competing for Cookeville was Brad Allen who brought home a first and second as well as Jennifer Carr who placed second in both of her individual events.

Flatt and Long both took home a second in their individual races. dilldine swept first in his two races with Megan Swafford and Andy melton taking sweeping their heat with first and second.

Congratulations to all who competed for Cookeville High School.

Copyright 2003 Cookeville High School