Local heroes score big at Olympic Games

A couple of weeks ago Phillips County was well represented in the 2016 Special Olympics held at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula. The Malta Opportunities Inc. (MOI) finished strong at the 2016 games with the pieces of hardware to show for it. The Olympics were filled with events including a dance, carnival and plenty of souvenirs.

Saleena Davis did well in her first trip to the Olympic games, medaling in softball and the 25 meter walk.

"I really enjoyed myself," Davis said. "It was fun. Before that I was an athlete at the Havre games and a cheerleader in the Missoula games."

She had a throw of 18.6 meters in softball throw.

"It felt so good and I was so proud of myself," Davis said. "I really enjoyed it."

She also took fourth place in bowling with a score of 175; she said it was the best score she had ever gotten.

Davis mentioned that Fred Allery, the team's coach was the best bowler at MOI.

Allery mentioned that there were no surprises at the games and expressed confidence in his team.

When asked who did well at the games, Allery answered, "Pretty much everybody."

Allery was primarily an athlete in past seasons.

"I think being a coach was good and being an athlete was good as well," Allery said. "I liked being the coach."

He mentioned that he liked helping everyone, seeing everything going on, cheering on his teammates and even picking on the staff.

Andy Mord took second place in the softball throw with a throw of 11.7.

Traveling to Missoula opened up a vast choice of restaurant options. Members of the MOI teams had their opinions on what they loved.

"I liked the pizza," Davis said. "I like pretty much everything on it."

Annie Jefferson was a fan of Montana Club. Jefferson won a silver medal in softball with a throw of 13.0 and a bronze in walking.

Kris Boothe's favorite restaurant was Pizza Hut. Boothe participated in softball and walking and was also a fan of the opening ceremonies.

Jack Stenswick won a total of five medals this year between the Havre and Missoula games. He took gold in softball and a bronze in walking.

"I had a good coach," Stenswick said. "Sherry and Rheannon Tribby did a good job as well."

The ongoing joke at MOI is that Stenswick only walked fast because Miss Montana Danielle Wineman was at the finish line.

Stenwick's favorite restaurants were cracker barrel and Montana Club and his favorite events were picking on Sherry Salveson and Kari Mord.

Apparently there was a lot of picking on each other during the trip.

"I may not be a bully but I can sure pick on people," Davis said with a smile.

One week prior to the goes, Davis had the chance to lead Malta's Code Enforcers and fellow athletes through the Athlete's prayer:

Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.

"It was a little nerve wrecking for a little bit but I knew I could do it with a little bit of help and support from everyone," Davis said. "I did enjoy it very much."