Schools
Troy School District 30-C Special Olympian Earns Gold At State
William B. Orenic Intermediate School student places 1st in basketball individual skills category
Photo: Troy Special Olympian Johnny Prystalski took first place for the gold medal at the Special Olympics state competition. Here, with coaches Mary Kate Beutel and Nicolle Oldenburg.
Johnny Prystalski, a Special Olympics athlete who attends William B. Orenic Intermediate School, earned a first place gold medal at the Individual Skills Competition for Special Olympics Basketball held at Illinois State University.
Johnny participated in passing, dribbling and shooting drills and took first overall for the gold. Johnny said it “feels good” to win the gold medal and that he plans on going for the gold again next year. His favorite part of basketball skills is shooting baskets, he said, and the most difficult is passing.
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“The Troy School District is so proud of Johnny's remarkable accomplishment,” Troy Director of Special Education Deb Marco said. “Not only is he a gold medal-winning athlete, but Johnny is also the most joyful person you will ever meet. He exemplifies the mission of the Special Olympics, which is ‘continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.’ The coaches, volunteers, Johnny, and his teammates bring so much joy to the Troy School District, and we are beaming with pride.”
Co-Coaches are Mary Kate Beutel and Nicolle Oldenburg.
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“Johnny’s been with us since he was in second grade,” Oldenburg said, “and he just gets better each year. He practices a lot, and he really does have fun. Our Special Olympics program gives our students a chance to get recognized for the things that they do well and what they’re excited about. We appreciate that our district allows us to have a Special Olympics program.”
“We are very proud of Johnny,” Beutel said. “It’s really an accomplishment. Special Olympics is important because no matter what ability a student has, they have the opportunity to participate. Everyone gets a chance.”
William B. Orenic Intermediate School is a Troy Community School District 30-C school.
