Special Needs Athletes show their mettle

Employees of the Freeport Electric Department and Freeport residents paddled with special needs athletes from the Association of Children with Downs Syndrome in canoe races on Tuesday, Aug. 4. There were nine heats and 43 athletes who made their way around the watery obstacle course of balloons and make-shift bouys in the waters off the Mill Basin in Baldwin.

Marianne Endo, event coordinator, said the adults had been practicing for the past seven weeks to prepare for the big race. And there was lots of support from family and friends to cheer on all the participants. Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy and Al Livingston, superintendent of Freeport Electric, were also on hand to lend support to employees and athletes.

Medals were given to all first place winners and all participants received certificates. Ice cream was donated by Jerri Quibell of Checker Cab. Steve’s Meats donated a hero for the adults.

“We had a ball,” Endo said. “The Freeport Fire Department was there with its rescue truck, but thankfully it wasn’t needed. The fire boat was in the water and they made everyone feel very comfortable.”

“Everyone worked hard to make this event happen,” she concluded. “It really meant a lot to these young athletes.”