Highland Huskies Special Olympics team brings home the gold 

Posted 7/29/21

The Highland Huskies Special Olympics team is a force to be reckoned with. Despite this year’s pandemic restrictions, the team had another highly successful season and scored big at the 2021 …

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Highland Huskies Special Olympics team brings home the gold 

Posted

The Highland Huskies Special Olympics team is a force to be reckoned with. Despite this year’s pandemic restrictions, the team had another highly successful season and scored big at the 2021 West Point Regional Special Olympics and the Special State Games at Vassar College, both held virtually over several weeks. Every athlete earned at least one gold, silver, or bronze medal in track and field events, and the entire team qualified for the Special Olympics National Games, which will take place in June 2022 in Orlando, Florida. 

The team’s athletes are Katie Cruz, Jasmine Sullivan, Tyler Chorvas, Eric Fernandes, Isabella Reid, Andy Lovgren, and Jonaah Super. Each athlete competed virtually in several track and field-based events—which included a 50M run, 50M walk, push-ups, crunches, and squats, and a throwing activity. Their highest scores were then sent to the state to be evaluated against other athletes in the region and ranked for medals. Jasmine Sullivan came out a big winner, taking home the gold in all three events she competed in.

The students’ coaches, Nick and Domonique Cooper, couldn’t contain their pride. “Out of all the athletes I have trained, the Highland Husky Special Olympics team is made up of the most dedicated athletes,” Nick Cooper gushed. “They never miss a practice and always give it their all.”

“Our team is truly a family. All of the athletes cheer each other on,” said Domonique Cooper. “I couldn’t be prouder to coach such a wonderful group of athletes!” 

Both coaches have been volunteering with the Special Olympics for at least eight years. But Domonique created the Highland Husky team five years ago by fundraising and grant writing, which earned the team donations of apparel from the Highland Rotary Club and the Highland Teacher Association, as well as funds from the Highland Education Foundation to purchase a Special Olympics team tent for events.

The team practices every week, all-year round and their enthusiasm has grown exponentially with each year. Even though the competitions had to be held virtually, the athletes’ spirits never dampened. 

“The Special Olympics makes me feel happy and proud of myself. I feel like I belong,” said Katie Cruz, who won two silvers and one gold medal. “I feel very grateful to have our Special Olympics team and to have our coaches, who always keep us moving and grooving when it comes to training. Our whole team is so excited for Nationals 2022!” 

Jonaah Super, who won a silver and a gold medal, agreed. “My friends and I work out as a team, and Mr. and Mrs. Cooper are the best coaches ever. I am so happy and proud to be on the Highland Huskies. We are a Husky family!”