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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Niles Dowe has not lifted weights in additional than 12 months. However Thursday night, on a subject outdoors Centennial Excessive Faculty, Dowe was abruptly a strongman competitor.
“It’s all popping out immediately.” Dowe says. “We wish to ensure that we’re out of the home and never be so bored on a regular basis.”
Dowe was among the many opponents in one of many first Particular Olympics occasions staged in Ohio because the begin of the pandemic final 12 months. Athletes gathered for a strongman contest, that includes farmer’s carries and weight throws. The occasion signaled an finish to the isolation so many particular athletes endured final 12 months with out a lot contact with their friends and buddies.
“Depressing” is how Particular Olympian Chris Barnett described it. He’s been competing within the video games for greater than 25 years.
“Oh, we’ve been speaking about this for 2 weeks… three weeks… 4 weeks.” Stated Julie Barnett, Chris’ mom.
“I’ve seen lots of people I haven’t seen in a very long time… Particular Olympics is our household. It’s meant the whole lot to us .” she mentioned.
About two dozen athletes competed, with teaching and oversight from volunteers from the Hilliard Police Division. Dad and mom and relations gathered by the handfuls to maintain the return to competitors energetic.
“Having so many individuals come out and assist the athletes is wonderful.” Stated Particular Olympics coach John Essen. “You possibly can see type of that glint is again in all people’s eye the place they begin to really feel the whole lot’s regular.”
As vital as bodily exercise stays for the athletes, coaches say social expertise and total psychological well being ought to considerably enhance as practices return to typical numbers.
“The largest factor we’ve discovered about Particular Olympics now could be sure, we’re a sports activities program however the social a part of stuff is a lot extra vital.” Essen says.
“I’m hoping I’ll keep in so long as I can, till I’m able to retire.” Dowe says.
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