Commitment and grit

Editor's note: Local Special Olympians participated in the 2025 Special Olympics Summer Games, which were hosted June 13-15 at Ohio State University. We are incredibly proud to share that four outstanding athletes represented our community at the 2025 Special Olympics Summer Games in the Powerlifting competition! Our participants, Cassidie Akins, Albert Greenlief, Cody Brought and Jason Runkle demonstrated not only remarkable physical strength, but also the spirit of determination, perseverance, and sportsmanship that defines the heart of the Special Olympics. Our athletes trained for months leading up to the games, showing up with commitment and grit day after day. At the Summer Games, they competed in events such as the bench press and deadlift. Their hard work paid off as they delivered powerful performances, earned medals, and most importantly, gained a well-deserved sense of accomplishment and pride. Beyond the lifting platform, these athletes inspired everyone around them with their positive attitudes, encouragement of fellow competitors, and genuine love for the sport. Their teamwork, discipline and resilience remind us of the importance of inclusion, opportunity, and the belief that everyone has the potential to achieve greatness. A special shout-out goes to Extreme Fitness and owner Drew Schaffer for their continued support of the Bear's Powerlifting Program. We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Jayla Endsley who coached the Bears through their season and supported the team during their final event at summer games. Your dedication means so much and is deeply appreciated by the Huron County Board of DD along with the Huron County Bears. Here are the results: Saturday lifts • Cassidie Akins benched 32.5kg (71.6lbs) and deadlifted: 90kg (198.4lb). Cass got fourth overall, fifth in bench and fourth in deadlift. • Albert Greenlief deadlifted, moved up to 107.5kg (237.0lbs). Albert got fourth overall and fourth in deadlift. • Cody Brought benched 57.5kg (126.8lb), deadlifted 122.5kg (270lbs). Cody got fourth overall, fourth in bench and fourth in deadlift. Sunday lifts • Jason Runkle benched 50 kg (110.2lbs) and deadlifted 127.5kg (281.1lbs). Jason got fifth overall, fifth bench and fifth in deadlift.