Troy Middle School Special Olympics athletes win gold medals

At the same time as United States athletes were competing for Olympic medals on the world stage, two members of the Troy Special Olympics Basketball Team earned their own gold medals at the recent Special Olympics Regional Skills Competition held at Manteno High School.

Troy Middle School students Lillian Chanda and Michael Horn won in their divisions for their skills in dribbling, shooting and passing. Troy student Johnny Prystalski was also an active participant on the team, but was not able to compete.

Coaches for the Special Olympics team are Katie Lewis, Lukas Van Eck and Rachel Violetto.

“Michael and Lily did an excellent job all throughout our time practicing and at the competition,” Van Eck said. “They cheered each other on, and I was happy and excited to be there with them at the regionals.”

Troy Director of Student Athletics Meagan DeGroot said the whole district is celebrating the team’s victories.

“I am extraordinarily proud of these athletes,” she said. “They’ve worked hard all season, and they continue to surprise me. We wish them luck at the state competition.”

The Special Olympics State Competition will be held in March at Illinois State University.

Troy Middle School is a Troy Community School District 30-C school.