The annual Special Olympics Massachusetts Summer Games took place June16-18 at Harvard. The Cambridge Program for Individuals with Special Needs brought 35 athletes, competing in Track and Field, Power lifting, Volleyball, and Aquatics.

Competitions were held Saturday and Sunday, and once again, the Cambridge Warriors dominated their opponents.  Track and Field athletes led by Hall of Famer and Captain Denise Brown, came away winning 30 combined medals and ribbons, many which were gold and silver medals.   Cambridge's two volleyball teams earned a bronze medal and silver medal after coming back from being defeated in all games on Saturday.  Power lifting athletes once again proved their strength and dominance by winning gold medals in each weight class.  Record holder Victor King picked up 425 pounds, 10 pounds under his personal best; and Elmo Mickel walked away with the Outstanding Power lifting Award for 2006.  In Aquatics, there was gold and silver all the way around, led by team Captain and Hall of Famer Philip Ranieri. 

Participation in Special Olympics is coordinated through the Dept. of Human Services' Recreation Division. Congratulations to all our participants:

Track: Peter Nardella, Jackie Groves, Liam Impastato, Denise Brown, Abeer Mahmood, James Booth, Jose Negron, Andy Lafontant, Melissa Knight, Medgine Joseph, and Gabe Raagas.

Swimming: Cledwyn Jones, Lee Jones, Maureen Harkin, and Philip Ranieri.

Powerlifting: Vic King, Elmo  Mickel, Wendell Baynes, Mike Cormican, Mike Ravin,
and Doug Wilkins.

Volleyball: Ryan Boekenkroger, Anthony Marks, Robert Edwards, Richard Johnson,
Lale Hariry, Aaron Gorden, Alex Everette, John Connolly, Jovani Perez, Joe Greene,
Denea Davis, Ally Gully, Brittany Correia, and Artise Myers.