U-46 students shine at Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games

Seven members of the Elgin Area School District U-46 Bluestars placed in the top 10 of their events, including two golds in track, at the recent Summer Games in Bloomington-Normal.

The Bluestars were among more than 4,000 student athletes who competed in the Special Olympics Illinois' largest annual sports competition.

"Our students demonstrated great determination, skills and sportsmanship both on and off the field," said Bluestars coach Maureen Lue. "They have worked so hard and remind us all to always try our best."

Qualifying athletes competed in one or more events within their age division in track and field, swimming, soccer, powerlifting, gymnastics and more at the June Summer Games. Results for the Bluestars are below:

• Hope Buechner, freshman at Elgin High School, gold in 200-meter run

• Nicole Romeo, sophomore at Larkin High School, gold in 200-meter run

• Lucas Pesina, junior at Larkin High School, silver in 200-meter run, fifth place in softball throw

• Nicolas Pesina, freshman at Larkin High School, fourth place in 200-meter run, fourth place in softball throw

• Nick Wegner, Center House, sixth place in 200-meter run

• Ben Shively, Camelot, seventh place in 200-meter run

• Ian Fergus, seventh grade, Kenyon Woods Middle School, seventh place in 200-meter run

"I feel happy when I'm with my teammates because I like being active," said Hope Buechner, this year's gold recipient of the 200-meter run. "My favorite thing about the Bluestars is that I get to run, throw, play basketball, bowling - I love it all!"

Students qualified for the Summer Games by earning a gold medal in events during the regional games in the spring. Brett Ehmen, a student at Camelot, qualified to compete, but was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.

Hope's mother, Nancy Buechner, encouraged other student athletes to participate in the annual competition.

"I would tell them not to hesitate to sign up," said Nancy Buechner. "The kids have such a good time and they really do look forward to it."

While the Summer Games caps this year's athletic season, the Bluestars will return in October for basketball season. Students interested in joining the Bluestars can expect information to be distributed in classrooms this fall. For more information, read about the district's Special Olympics team at www.u-46.org or contact Coach Maureen Lue.