State Snowshoeing - Galena, Illinois

Snowshoeing is quickly becoming a favorite for outdoor winter activity. Combining aerobic activity with ease of walking over snow without sinking in, snowshoeing is an activity for all ages. Snowshoe races are part of the Arctic Winter Games and the winter Special Olympics. Winter Games is one of 9 state sports competitions held by Special Olympics-Illinois. It is the culminating competition for those participating in Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing. Winter Games were hosted at Chestnut Mountain in Galena, Illinois, on 3 February to 5 February 2015.  Approximately 400 athletes competed in this 3-day event and showed off their winning form

This year's PTOEC Snowshoeing team held eight practices regionals on January 11th in Mount Vernon.  Different practice locations were selected to assure proper training for state competitions.  They include Carlyle Lake (Sand), Sportsplex, Scheve Park, Westhaven (Hilly),  and Silver Creek Reserve (All).  All ten of our athletes were selected to represent the area after regionals.  Both male and female relay team were selected along with several individuals representing PTOEC in individual events.

Members of the team included Bradley Dilley (Male Relay Team), Colleen Costello (200/400 meter), Jordan Derossett (110/Male relay team), Kelsey Elder (200/Female relay team), Jennifer Harper 50/100/Female relay team), Danielle Lanxon (100/female relay team), Stacey Morgan (50 meters), Ryan Reinier (50/100/Relay team), Christine Shields (female relay team) and Travis Skiles (Male relay team)  All players ran their best races at Galena.  The Male Relay team ran over a minute faster than their  original time in November.  They missed out on a medal by three seconds in the top division.  . All other athletes received winter medals by the end of the week.

The event was unique in a lot of ways.  The Open Ceremonies started with the athletes walking through the beautiful town of Galena.  Closing ceremonies was offered at Chestnut Maintain resort.  This year,  we added to the adventure by adding the starter on the van freezing and had to be replaced on Tuesday morning

A big thanks to our great Snowshoeing Coaches; Rich Crothers, Bob Kolb and Kate Elder! 

---