The Indiana State Strength & Conditioning staff held the sixth annual Indiana Special Olympics Power Lifting Competition on June 10-12th as part of the organization's annual games held on the Indiana State campus.
This year's event had a new feel to it as the competition took place in Indiana State University Student Rec Center. The event is usually held in the Athletic Strength and Conditioning Center however with the weight room being renovated this summer the Student Recreation Center stepped up and had the event at their location for the first time.
Coach Lauren Zakrajsek, John Stein, and James Smith, assisted Director David McMannus in the setup and running of the event. However the event could not have been done without members of the Sycamores football team. Players came out to show their support of the Olympians by helping with coaching, spotting, changing of weights, introducing the competitors, encouraging the athletes, and even setting up and breaking down the event equipment.
The Sycamore Strength & Conditioning staff would also like to give a special thanks to workers and volunteers of the Indiana Special Olympics for their hard work and dedication in the creation, organization, and management of this year's Olympic Games. The Indiana Special Olympics Power Lifting Competition was also made possible by our generous sponsors. However, none of this would have been possible without the participants, who have been training for years just for this moment. It was truly special to see these athletes compete against one another and achieve personal successes.
Special recognition also goes out to Indiana Special Olympics Powerlifting competition director Bill Newby. Bill Newby creates, coordinates, and supervises the Special Olympics Powerlifting competition. Without Bill Newby the Indiana Special Olympics Powerlifting competition would not be what it is today.
Indiana State Strength and Conditioning is honored to be a part of such a special event and looks forward to hosting the Indiana Special Olympics Powerlifting Competition for many years to come. David McMannus said "This is truly an incredibly important event and one ISU is extremely blessed and happy to hoist. These are some of the most hardworking, inspiring, and determined athletes you will ever be around and we are lucky to have them here each year."
