Can there be anything more typically American than the Special Olympics held this week at Strider Field in Jamestown? The event opened with members of the Sheriff's Department, Jamestown Police Department and New York State Police bringing the torch onto the field of competition. There, 400 athletes competed to improve their personal best as some 120 student volunteers from Jamestown, Panama, Frewsburg, Falconer and Southwestern helped stage the events.
''It's just a joyful day for everybody,'' said coordinators Bob Goold said.
Indeed that is so. Thumbs up to everyone involved and especially the medalists for being the most improved athletes: Michael Neid, Logan Fish, Kaila Cartner, Ryan Silsby, Dan Tompkins, Austin Billick, Sabrina Riley, Jessica Brown, Jurnie Ratzlaff, Elise Firster, Tessa Ecker, Angel Vazquez-Torres, Taylor Guynn, Brandon Kohlepp, Lorenzo Sosa-Mahaffey, Brianna Cappadonia, Shania Simmes, Tony DePonceau, Haley Shagla, Abby Adam, Bethany DeShantz and Aiden Melquist.
In keeping to the same theme, thumbs up to the Falconer girls track team for winning the Division 1 crown this week. This is the 11th year in a row that the Lady Golden Falcons have earned the title. We note Mackenzie Wright was a triple winner f with victories in the 100 meters, the long jump and the triple jump. Double winners were Shannon Murphy in the 1,500 meters and the 800 meters and Makalia Haveron in the high jump and the 200 meters. Congratulations all around to them, their coaches and their parents.
And can it be? Yes, it is time for Street JAM in Jamestown next week- a very fun three-on-three charity basketball tournament the first weekend of June. The tournament is sponsored by The Resource Center and Filling the Gap with help as well from local businesses and community non-profit organizations. All of the proceeds from the tournament help provide services for persons with disabilities. Thumbs up to one and all for the continued success of this annual event.
And, finally, thumbs up to whoever makes room in their heart for Bentley, an 11-month-old St. Bernard who is awaiting a forever home. Bentley is going to be a big dog - but as lovers of big dogs will attest, big dogs come with hearts the size of all outdoors. Simply put, St. Bernards love their people.
Bentley is at the Chautauqua County Humane Society's center on Strunk Road near Jamestown.