Athletes compete at state olympics

The State Special Olympics Summer Games were held June 21-23 at the University of Minnesota campus. Hundreds of athletes from all over the state competed. The weather was absolutely perfect, which helped in keeping all events right on schedule.

The following Paynesville athletes were involved in the track and field competition: Michael Naujokas, Chris Sturtz, Mike Sturtz, Josh Sturtz, and Crystal Rudy.

The athletes earned the following awards in the field competition. For the running long jump, Naujokas earned a fifth place ribbon, Mike Sturtz earned a bronze medal for third, and Chris Sturtz earned a silver medal for second place. Josh Sturtz earned a gold medal for first place in the standing long jump. Rudy also competed in the standing long jump and earned a silver medal for second place.

In the track competition, Rudy earned fifth place in the 100-meter run, a fourth-place ribbon went to Chris Sturtz for the 200-meter run, and a first-place gold medal went to Josh Sturtz for the 400-meter run. Mike Sturtz competed in the 400-meter run and Naujokas competed in the 200-meter run. Both earned first place gold medals, as did the four-member relay team made up of Rudy, Chris Sturtz, Mike Sturtz, and Josh Sturtz.

The athletes attended a banquet and dance on Saturday evening, which was also held at the University of Minnesota.

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