Valley athletes represent at Special Olympics Alaska Winter Games

ANCHORAGE — Valley teams wrapped up their winter training sessions, boarded the bus, and headed to Anchorage March 7 to join in the Special Olympics Alaska Winter Games.

From the very beginning, Mat-Su athletes strode front and center. Patrick White, who bowls and skis for Mat-Su, helped Alaska State Troopers bring in the Olympic torch.

Opening ceremonies at East High went off without a glitch. The crowd was very responsive, as these crowds tend to be. They laugh heartily at any and all jokes and never hesitate to clap or respond out loud to the emcee. And when it’s called for in the ceremonies, the entire group recites the Special Olympics Oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Now, you may not think that Special Olympics are as exciting or entertaining as the international Olympics. You would be correct that Special Olympics Alaska does not boast the best and newest in high-tech equipment. Games might lack in continual fanfare, outrageous costumes and spectacular effects. But I can tell you whole-heartedly that Special Olympics Alaska packs it all into each performance. There are funny moments that make you laugh and acts of kindness when your eyes get a little teary. And there is, without doubt, very good sport.

Mat-Su sent one unified floor hockey team to state. Unified means that athletes who experience disabilities play alongside partners who do not. Mike Morrow, along with Dawn Gray, coaches this dynamite group of athletes and partners. The team represents all ages, genders and sizes. Our hockey team is so fast, so strong and so good, that you can’t tell who has a disability and who doesn’t. Mat-Su Blue played three games on Saturday, losing their first and winning the next two against Anchorage and Tanana. In one game, athlete Garrett Stortz scored six goals!

Sunday started off well with a win and our team earned a spot in the top division for finals. Coming off the bench after his team’s Sunday morning win, Morrow exclaimed to the Mat-Su fans, “Isn’t this great!?” In finals, Mat-Su met the Anchorage Avatars. We fell short to move on, but not without a good fight and not ever giving up. Our unified team brought home the bronze. Mat-Su could have hosted two teams this season, but we lacked enough unified partner volunteers. Half of our hard-working athletes stayed home.

Up at Hilltop, in the gloriously bright sun, snowboarders and skiers also enjoyed success. These two sports include events in slalom, super slalom and super G. A second division competes on the lower slopes in walk, glide and super glide. Our dedicated delegation began training in December 2013 with 13 athletes, but due to injuries and transportation issues, only nine athletes qualified for state. A powerful nine, they raked in a slew of medals of all colors. Included among all the young men skiers was Brandy Kelly, our sole female winter athlete to compete at state.

Zach Trudell, a member of the U.S. Air Force, coached our snowboard team. Trudell hails from Rhode Island, where he coached Special O skiing for two years. After volunteering for the Alaska state bowling tournament on Elmendorf this past fall, he contacted state office about other volunteer opportunities. Unfortunately, on Sunday morning en route to the games, Trudell was involved in an auto accident and spent his day in the hospital. When interviewed, Trudell said he was doing well, though his vehicle not so much. Asked if he would consider coaching again next year Trudell said, “It was a good year and a lot of fun. I can’t wait until next season!”

Ski coach Jessica Gustin arrived in Alaska in January 2013 from Boston. Toward fall, she moved to the Valley and responded to a notice in the Frontiersman seeking coaches and volunteers for the Mat-Su Community Program. Jessica worked for an organization in Boston called “Yes Kids,” that takes inner-city kids into the mountains for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding and climbing.

“My expectations were high, the athletes phenomenal,” Gustin said.

When asked about the possibilities of coaching next season, she said, “Yes! It was absolutely fantastic; just a great experience.”

Gustin added that Hilltop rolled out the red carpet for our teams and the Anchorage volunteers and coaches also helped. When asked about needs, she mentioned that the local program could use more volunteers to assist during Saturday winter practices.

Besides our hard-working athletes who performed at state, the Valley had other special Olympians who came to represent. Aaron Kulhanek, an accomplished Mat-Su athlete in both bowling and golf, helped president/CEO Jim Balamaci announce during closing ceremonies. When asked to describe Special Olympics in three words, Aaron replied, “Courage, achievement, will.”

Later, snowboarder Daniel Edell appeared on stage and when posed the same question responded, “Acceptance is everything!”

Shortly thereafter, and as a special treat for the audience, the Mat-Valley Dance Superstars performed. The dance troupe is fast-growing and multi-talented, and began in part to serve young adults with disabilities. The studio offers classes in hip-hop, tap, ballet, clogging and more. The Superstars are led by Shanelle Gangstad, a Palmer High graduate and Palmer High Partner’s Club charter member. Her smile always beautiful, her dedication genuine and true. She epitomizes the best of the Valley, believing in and caring for others whom some might consider less able. The charismatic troupe performed two numbers, including their signature dance to Kesha’s “We R Who We R.” The crowd went wild.

Congratulations to all the athletes, partners, coaches and volunteers who represented the Valley at the SOAK winter games!

The Mat-Su program did not host a snowshoeing or cross-country skiing delegation this winter due to lack of coaches. Currently, track, basketball and swimming are underway. Golf begins in May.

If you would like to volunteer for the Mat-Su program, call (907) 631-8591 or email matsu@specialolympicsalaska.org.