West Point Special Olympics Spring Games

The flag was flying overhead early Saturday morning as a crisp wind blew off the Hudson. First light illuminated the athletes gradually appearing on the sprawling West Point campus. Like stars slowly appearing at dusk, first one or two, then a handful and then, seemingly in an instant, blanketing the night sky.

The day marked the 2015 Special Olympics Spring games at West Point Military academy. An event highlighted as much by the athleticism and unwavering spirit of the participants as by the pomp and circumstance rolled out from West Point cadets and commanding officers. Swimmers, sprinters, shot putters, javelin throwers and relay teams from all over the State met to engage in the sacred tradition of the Olympic competition.

First the parade of athletes; Teams assembled in tight formation to march around the track as scores of cadets, friends and family members roared in approval. The Sharks were resplendent, replete in full team regalia, American flag pins secured tightly to their costumes and flags sporting 50 stars, 50 stripes and the red , white and blue flapping proudly in the wind. We are Sharks and we are patriots.

Opening ceremonies continued with the national anthem, dedications to soldiers lost in foreign conflicts, recognition of our athletes, all ending with a spectacular sky diving show from the West Point jump team. With the sound of the horn the Spring 2015 games had begun.

The Sharks took to the water quickly with purpose. They had been training all season for this apex event and it showed. Shark team members dominated in every event they entered- 25 meters, 50 meters, backstroke, breast stroke and topped off the day with an all Sharks relay race.

There cannot be enough said about the cadets who were paired up with our athletes. The aspiring Army officers took to our Sharks like old friends, encouraging them every step of the way. There was genuine interest in our athletes, families and staff from these young leaders.

Douglas Campbell had a break through day competing and completing the 25 meter and 50 meter freestyle event. The crowd cheered him the entire way through. Ryan Urquhart had an amazing showing sporting some personal best times at the 50 meter free- 38.26 and the 25 meter free- 16.58. Scoring a gold for both races. Swimmer Liam Cadigan also had a fantastic day in the pool by receiving recognition for both his 25 meter backstroke and 25 meter freestyle.

The Sharks rolled up deep to West Point. Toting 24 competing swimmers, the Sharks far exceeded the number of swimmers from any other team there. All 24 swimmers have something to be proud of from this past Saturday. The determination was visible in every event they competed in.  A season of hard work paid off tenfold at West Point.