Local Special Olympics Softball Players Help Team Ohio Win Gold

(From Blanchard Valley Center)

Six Hancock County Special Olympics softball players and their coach recently represented Team Ohio and claimed a national championship at the Special Olympics USA Games, held in Minneapolis.

The Hancock County players were Dakota Bower, Jared Davis, Cody Nault-Butler, John McCarley, Ray Miller and Titus Nault. Coach Mike Kirkland was part of the contingent.

Team Ohio went undefeated through five games. They defeated Team Missouri 28-16 to claim the national title.

“I’m really proud of our guys,” said Melanie Williams, who oversees the Hancock County Special Olympics program. “They went up against some stiff competition and won a national championship. That is a rare and special feat. We showed teams from all over the country the dedication of Special Olympians, that’s for sure.”

In order to be chosen for Team Ohio, athletes must have played on a team that captured gold or silver medals in the state games. The softball players from Hancock County were selected from the 2024 Special Olympics team.

After being selected, the players committed to 18 months of intensive training, leading up to the national games.

“What a great accomplishment for our athletes,” said Blanchard Valley Center Superintendent Kelli Grisham. “We have an excellent Special Olympics program, and our athletes are so dedicated to their sports. I salute our team members. Hancock County should be very proud of them.”

The Special Olympics USA Games are held every four years.

The next USA Games will be hosted by Cleveland in 2030.