CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (June 21, 2024) – Carteret County Special Olympics athletes brought home a haul of medals from the recent Special Olympics Summer Games in Raleigh, held May 31-June 2.

The 17-member Carteret County team, comprised of 10 swimmers and 7 bowlers, participated in various swimming events and bowling competitions. This marked the first year Carteret County offered athletes the chance to compete in two sports at the Summer Games.

“We are incredibly proud of our athletes’ achievements,” said Darlene Austin, Carteret County Parks and Recreation Department Recreation Supervisor and Special Olympics Coordinator. “This year marked the launch of our new swim program, and the results were phenomenal. Ten athletes competed at the state level, bringing home a combined 23 gold, silver, and bronze medals, along with numerous Top-10 and participation ribbons.”

The swim team, ranging from 10 to 25 years old and coached by Tara Fevang and Lynda Woods, excelled in the pool. Casey Donnelly led the way with four medals, including golds in the 100-yard breaststroke and 100-yard individual medley. Abigail Kimzey, Jacob Hajduk and Dale Hammond each secured gold medals, while Lilly-Marie la Vecchia and Danielle Matthews added a gold and silver medal, respectively.

The bowling team, coached by Austin and Ruth Varner, also had a successful showing. The five-person team, consisting of Rayshawn Becton, Pandora Jackson, John Wood, Caitlin Styron, and Michael Torres, finished second in their division. The doubles team of Lanney Bridges and Sarah Havlicek also secured a second-place finish.

“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunities this program provides our athletes,” said Tina Purifoy, Carteret County Parks and Recreation Director. “Special thanks go out to our sponsors, parents, coaches, volunteers, and CCPR staff who make this program possible. We also extend our appreciation to MacDaddy’s and The Gym in Cape Carteret for hosting our practices.”

The Carteret County athletes’ complete results are as follows:

Swimming: 

• Alec Bragg won a silver medal in the 25-yard backstroke, placed fourth in the 25-yard free style, and received a participation ribbon in the 25-yard breaststroke.
• Casey Donnelly won gold medals in the 100-yard breaststroke and 100-yard individual medley and a silver medal in the 100-yard backstroke.
• Inga Eitner won a silver medal in the 25-yard freestyle – level and participation ribbons in the 25-yard backstroke – level 1 and 25-yard kickboard.
• Jacob Hajduk won gold medals in the 25-yard backstroke and 25-yard breaststroke and placed fourth in the 25-yard freestyle.
• Dale Hammond won a gold medal in the 25-yard backstroke, a silver medal in the 25-yard freestyle, and received a participation ribbon in the 25-yard butterfly.
• Abigail Kimzey won gold medals in the 100-yard individual medley and 50-yard breaststroke and a participation ribbon in the 50-yard backstroke.
• Lilly-Marie la Vecchia won a gold medal in the 25-yard backstroke, a bronze medal in the 25-yard freestyle, and received a participation ribbon in the 25-yard butterfly.
• Danielle Matthews won a silver medal in the 50-yard freestyle, a bronze medal in the 50-yard backstroke, and a participation ribbon in the 50-yard butterfly.
• Darcy Sasser placed fifth in the 50-yard backstroke, sixth in the 50-yard freestyle, and received a participation ribbon in the 50-yard breaststroke.
• Donnelly, Kimzey, Matthews, and Sasser won a bronze medal in the 4x50-yard freestyle relay.
• Bragg, Hajduk, Hammond, and Orrin Sweich won a gold medal in the 4x25-yard freestyle relay.

Bowling:

• Rayshawn Becton won a team silver medal in bowling.
• Pandora Jackson won a team silver medal in bowling.
• Caitlin Styron won a team silver medal in bowling.
• Michael Torres won a team silver medal in bowling.
• John Wood won a team silver medal in bowling.
• Lanney Bridges won a doubles silver medal in bowling.
• Sarah Havlicek won a doubles silver medal in bowling.

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