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Local athletes - Melissa Everson, Michael Naujokas, Josh Sturtz, Michael Sturtz, Annie Liedman, and Erica Wander - competed against athletes from 12 teams at the track and field competition.

Athletes were divisioned according to skill level and competed in individual track and field events. Paynesville athletes also participated in the relay competition.

In the standing long jump, Wander took first, Everson took second, and Liedman took fourth.

In the running long jump, both Josh Sturtz and Michael Sturtz took first and Naujokas took third.

In the 50-meter run, Everson was first, and Liedman was second.

In the 200-meter run, Naujokas took second, and Wander was third. Michael Sturtz took first in the 400-meter run, and Josh Sturtz took first in the 800-meter run.

Paynesville also had a team that competed in the 4 by 100-meter relay. Naujokas, Wander, Michael Sturtz, and Josh Sturtz took second place in their division.

The Paynesville athletes did a tremendous job of representing our schools, according to advisor Jane Hjelle. Several athletes are now eligible to compete in the Minnesota Special Olympics Summer Games held at the University of Minnesota in June.

Anyone interested in getting more information about Special Olympics should contact Hjelle at Paynesville Area Elementary School at 320-243-3725.