Special Olympics athletes pose in Reno where they competed in Bocce Ball. Submitted photo.

Mesquite Special Olympics athletes traveled to Reno to participate in the Special Olympics Summer Games Nevada 2017 held on June 10. Bocce was added as an event for competition for the first time this year at the summer games. A morning of competition was followed by participating in Healthy Athletes and finishing off the night with a dance.

Mesquite represented with two teams bringing home the gold and silver medals beating out Las Vegas, which took home the bronze.

First and second place were tied by both Mesquite teams requiring a tie breaker with the highest point differential (difference between points allowed).

Gold medal winners included Nicholas Verruno, Ramon Preciado Jr., Jeremy Murray, Brooklyn Teeples and Robert Howard.

Silver medalists included Nathan Abrams, Tamyra Alexander, Staci Hopper and Jennifer (an athlete from Pahrump)

Ramon Preciado Jr. had the honor of carrying the torch for opening ceremonies.

Special thanks to the volunteers at Sun City for coaching and prepping the athletes for competition, allowing the use of their courts to practice on and The Silver Rider for transportation.

Bowling season is set to begin on August 19.

Anyone interested in participating in Special Olympics as an athlete, volunteer or coach please contact Debbie Dorn (435) 229-8540.