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Local Sports

Local sports in the Panhandle are not just a game, they are a lifestyle. Our community eats, sleeps and breathes cheering on our local athletes.
News13 is On Your “Sidelines” bringing you more than the score.
News13’s Stephen Gunter is committed to giving you stories of the Panhandle’s top athletes, intriguing match-ups and unusual sports you may not even know exist.
sgunter@wmbb.com

Saturday, July 08, 2006

Special Olympians Home As Heroes

PANAMA CITY, Fla. - As the Northwest Aircraft hit the runway at the Panama City-Bay County Airport, friends and family of the eight Special Olympics athletes from Bay County, prepared signs and cheers for their heroes.

The athletes made their way through the terminal to the baggage claim with some well-desired extra luggage: Olympic medals.

“We finally got a gold medal,” bocce player Shawn Pipken said.  “We’re number one for bocce and had a good time too!”

“The feeling is good,” track participant Shamika Curry said.  “The coaches and everybody was great.  I’m just glad to be home.”

A total of 3,000 athletes were in Ames, Iowa, July 3-7 for the first-ever Special Olympics USA National Games.  Team Florida sent 106 athletes to compete in 11 different events.

The games concluded Friday with the closing ceremonies.

The Olympians from Bay County certainly represented well.  The eight members brought home a total of 15 medals.

Amy Reid (Gymnastics) - 1 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze
Shamika Curry (Track & Field) - 2 gold
Tim Russell (Track & Field) - 1 gold, 1 bronze
Luke Loberger (Bowling) - 1 gold, 1 bronze
Byron Smith (Bocce) - 1 gold
Shawn Pipken (Bocce) - 1 gold
Mary Carden (Bowling) - 1 silver
Frances Alexander (Bowling) - 1 silver

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