On Saturday, April 30th, 70 athletes represented Philadelphia at the 2016 Eastern Spring Sectional held at Kutztown University. Opening Ceremonies was filled with many performances including the KutzTones, Kutztown University’s A cappella group, singing the national anthem, Special Stars cheerleading team performing their routine, and Kutztown University Dance Team performing two numbers. During Opening Ceremonies, Fran Moore, Head Coach of Special Olympics Philadelphia Aquatics lead the coaches in the Coaches’ Oath. After the conclusion of Opening Ceremonies, our Philadelphia athletes joined over 1,000 athletes from the eastern part of Pennsylvania to compete in one of the six sports offered at the Eastern Spring Sectional – Athletics, Aquatics, Basketball, Golf, Softball, and Tennis.
Joseph Barut |
25 M Freestyle, :34.72 | 2nd Place |
| 50 M Backstroke, 1:39.10 | 1st Place | |
| 25 M Backstroke, :47.81 | 1st Place | |
Ian Capacio |
100 M Butterfly, 1:47.91 | 1st Place |
| 200 M Individual Medley | Participation | |
| 800 M Freestyle, 12:20.22 | 3rd Place | |
Meghan Garlick |
200 M Individual Medley | Participation |
| 100 M Backstroke, 1:48.37 | 1st Place | |
| 200 M Breaststroke, 4:42.54 | 1st Place | |
Kelsey Greenewald |
200 M Freestyle, 4:01.81 | 1st Place |
| 25 M Backstroke, :28.39 | 1st Place | |
| 100 M Freestyle, 1:47.92 | 2nd Place | |
Katelyn Joyce |
50 M Butterfly, 1:37.42 | 2nd Place |
| 100 M Freestyle, 2:38.29 | 2nd Place | |
| 50 M Backstroke, 1:14.96 | 3rd Place | |
Heather Lutts |
100 M Freestyle, 2:39.53 | 3rd Place |
| 50 M Backstroke, 1:18.87 | 5th Place | |
| 25 M Butterfly, :41.29 | 1st Place | |
Jackie Lutts |
100 M Freestyle, 1:54.71 | 4th Place |
| 50 M Backstroke, 1:06.78 | 3rd Place | |
| 50 M Freestyle, :51.38 | 2nd Place | |
Matthew Malyj |
25 M Breaststroke, :31.16 | 2nd Place |
| 50 M Breaststroke | Participation | |
| 100M Freestyle, 2:13.53 | 1st Place | |
Brian Meehan |
100 M Backstroke, 2:08.16 | 4th Place |
| 400 M Freestyle, 9:26.72 | 1st Place | |
| 200 M Freestyle, 4:29.90 | 3rd Place | |
Katie Moore |
800 M Freestyle, 19:33.35 | 2nd Place |
| 100 M Individual Medley, 2:13.82 | 2nd Place | |
| 100 M Butterfly, 2:30.95 | 2nd Place | |
Jesse Rose |
100 M Butterfly, 2:34.30 | 3rd Place |
| 200 M Backstroke, 4:21.59 | 1st Place | |
| 800M Freestyle, 18:57.97 | 1st Place |
Matthew Grabowski, Clifford Johnson, Kwante Crummy, Ryan Bogan, Joe Rynkiewicz, Angel Rodriguez, Charlie Zisette, Mitchell Stahl
Lavar Gladden, Devone Clements, Nicole Stnaley, Demetrius LeFlore, Tyrone Durant, Abdul Muhammad, Frank Olevsky, Benjamin Liken, Michael Henderson, Denzel McFadden
Andrew Hooks, Matt Beckman, Sam Fioravanti, Ronald Atkins, William Strauser, Emest Swanson, Danny Amrik, Allison Rutizer
Lateef Hiller, James Fulton, Felipe Rivera, Kenny Lamont, James Trotman, Nakisha Johnson, Kyle Sheaff, Christopher Ray, Sharod King, Jonathon Watson, James Daly III, James Thorton
Vernon Mayfield, Matthew Everett, Derrell Sutton, Luis Cotto, Brian Stulz, Carl Irvis, Derrick Jackson, Josh Harris, Danny Charlton, Corey Sweet
Emmett Abdo, Michael Castillo, Stanley Dluzniewski, James Shelton, Kelly Dluziewski, Kristie Walls, David Brent Williams, Bianca Pedulla, Anthony Gross, Aida Ortiz, Carlyn Robinson
Last night, at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s Leadership Conference, individuals were recognized for their achievements within Special Olympics PA throughout the year during the annual awards banquet. Awards include Athlete of the Year, Partner of the Year, Program of the Year, etc. During this banquet, Philadelphia Beginner Swim Coach, Fran Moore named SOPA Coach of the Year! Fran has served as Aquatics Head Coach for 6 years. Every year she challenges the athletes (beginner to advanced) to step out of their comfort zone and try a new event. Over the years under Fran’s supervision and dedication we have had many athletes who started with no basic knowledge of swimming now be able to accomplish the breaststroke, backstroke, IM’s and even 800 meter freestyles. Fran is like a second mother to all the athletes. She listens when they have problems or need someone to listen. She reviews the Athlete Code of Conduct at least 4 times a season to ensure they know the rules and support one another in good sportsmanship.
Congratulations, Fran! We’re so lucky to have you as part of our Special Olympics Philadelphia family!
Click here for Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s recap of this year’s Leadership Conference Award Banquet as well as photos of all the winners!
On 
August 1st, before kickoff of the highly anticipated Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bulls match at PPL Park, Myra Ausberry named Hometown Hero.
The Hometown Hero award recognize those men and women who have made a difference in the lives of others. These heroes are ordinary people that have had an extraordinary impact through their service, dedication, knowledge and spirit. The Philadelphia Union looks to salute those heroes who have inspired people to improve the lives of their cities, towns communities and neighbors . Traditional values of teamwork, effort, accountability, trust and selflessness are the cornerstones of Philadelphia Union’s Hometown Heroes.
Myra Ausberry has volunteered countless hours as a coach in a number of sports for Special Olympics Philadelphia to some of the most underserved athletes in some of the most underserved areas of the city. She ensures that those she engages with know about the opportunities available through Special Olympics but even more, she supports their on-boarding by providing resources and personal support to them wherever needed. The energy Myra brings to her role as a coach is contagious and it’s easy to see that the athletes and families enjoy being around her. Myra’s support and commitment to her teams every season has not gone unnoticed. She has personally helped athletes from competing on a local level to be able to compete on the national stage! Her passion for Special Olympics goes beyond the seven sports she is certified to coach in the community program. Myra is also an active supporter for the Unified Sports program and is particularly known for her current coaching position with the Martin Luther King High School Unified Soccer Team.
Congratulations, Myra! We are so lucky to have such a committed volunteer!
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