Henrico athletes reflect on success at Special Olympics Virginia championship

Rauna O’Berry was very proud as she received her bocce medal, a symbol of her first-ever competition at the Special Olympics Virginia Fall State Championship. But for her, the real prize was the experience of competing in the games.

“I love the Special Olympics because you just have a good time and participate,” she said. “They’ll give you an award if you come in first place, second place, or third, but the main thing is you have a good time and try the best you can.”

O’Berry was one of the many athletes to represent Area 31, whose team brought home an impressive 38 medals across six sports. 

The Special Olympics Area 31 program, which includes Henrico, Hanover, and Charles City counties, provides year-round training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It allows the participants to develop physical fitness, build confidence, demonstrate courage, and build relationships with other Special Olympic athletes and their families. 

Area 31 athletes excelled at the Fall Games, earning nine gold medals, 15 silver medals, six bronze medals, and eight fourth-place ribbons in pickleball, volleyball, soccer, bowling, bocce, and golf. 

Preparing for the Fall State Championships requires dedication and discipline from all of the athletes and coaches, according to Special Olympics Virginia Capital Region Director Pam Mines. 

 "The athletes practice for eight to 10 weeks to be able to compete in the Fall State Championships in Virginia Beach," she said. "Though all athletes practice, not all athletes can attend the state games. It is very competitive to be chosen." 

Angela Ogden, whose two twin girls competed in volleyball, found the experience of competing at the Fall Championships invaluable. She praised the inclusion and kindness shown by the other participants. 

"They both have severe autism, so their communication skills are pretty limited," she said of her daughters. "There were three girls from the Richmond Volleyball Club who went to the Fall Games with them, and they could not have been nicer. They adored the twins." 

Mark Horner and Scott Horner, who have been competing with the Special Olympics program since they were young boys, both won silver medals in bocce at the Fall Games. Their mother, Pam Horner, has taken them to countless practices and has witnessed the significant impact the program has had on their lives. 

"It has really helped with their social strength," she said. "They have gotten to know a lot of people through the Special Olympics, and it has given them so many opportunities that they would not otherwise have." 

Mines got involved with the organization in 2007 after her son was diagnosed with autism. Over the years, she has been inspired by the athletes' dedication and the support from their families and community members. 

"The most rewarding part of my job is watching the athletes be accepted, excited, and ready to learn and compete in sports, while also watching their parents, guardians and loved ones look on in awe as their athletes score points on the playing field and make friends on their team," Mines said. "That is all the motivation I need." 

Beyond their achievements on the field and court, the relationships formed among the athletes make the Area 31 program unique. 

"The Area 31 athletes as a whole show a tremendous amount of teamwork and friendship," Mines said. "They love traveling and competing. One thing you are sure to see a lot of in the Area 31 program are hi-fives, fist bumps, and hugs." 

Area 31 athletes are now preparing for the basketball championship, which will begin in late February in Henrico. The championship will offer three areas of competition: skills, half-court, and full court.

For these athletes, sports offer much more than physical competition. They bring joy and a sense of community into their lives. 

"I think it gives them confidence," Tiwana McKoy, caretaker of O'Berry, said. "It gives them a feeling of belonging and a feeling like they're part of something."