The Stanly Hawks — Sam Poplin, David Banks, Jacqueline McCray, Elliott Schmel and Dylan Manus — won a bronze medal in the 3v3 basketball games. Photo courtesy Special Olympics Stanly County

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ALBEMARLE — A delegation of 50 athletes from Stanly County traveled to Raleigh last weekend to take part in the annual Special Olympics NC Summer Games.

In total, nearly 1,500 athletes from every corner of the state took part in various competitions, participating in seven sports at Raleigh-area locations in addition to joining together for the 2025 Summer Games Opening Ceremony and dance party at NC State University’s Reynolds Coliseum.

The series of events stretched from May 30 to June 1, highlighting Special Olympians in general athletics, basketball, bowling, gymnastics, powerlifting, swimming and volleyball.

“Our teams and individuals did well, and we are extremely proud of all our athletes. Even if they did not win, they were brave in their attempt,” Special Olympics Stanly County said in a statement after the event. “It was a fantastic weekend! We are grateful to our coaches, chaperones, and families for the dedication and support they have provided to our athletes.”

In the bowling competition, the Stanly Wrecking Crew team of Zachary Lowder and Bryce Neal won a silver medal in the doubles bowling category. For team bowling, the Stanly All Stars group of Michael Francis, Temika Singletary, Angela Kirk, Blaine Walsh and Patrick Stuart came in fourth place.

Stanly’s bowling coaches were Karen Ray and Trent Lowder.

In the 3v3 basketball games, the Stanly Hawks team of Sam Poplin, David Banks, Jacqueline McCray, Elliott Schmel and Dylan Manus won a bronze medal. Meanwhile, the Stanly Eagles took home fourth-place honors with a roster of Laney Rinehart, Micah Cunningham, Anita Stinewall and Dillion Paquette.

Coaches Bryan and Christy Shaver led the county’s two basketball squads.

For the swimming competition, assisted by Stanly coaches LaRhonda Watkins, Lena Preslar and Cody Carter, the county’s swim team consisted of Alexa Setzer, Jesse Edwards, Logan Hanaway, Katelyn Huneycutt, Brian Faries, Jonathan Martin, Steele Waksmumski and Justin Watkins.

Together the group garnered nine gold medals, six silver medals, two bronze medals, two fourth-place finishes and two fifth-place finishes.

In track and field, the county’s team notched a dozen medals under the leadership of coach Ryan Grubbs. Jaxon Bennett recorded gold, silver and bronze medals, while Braylin Furlow, Eli Kissell and Jamie Hathcock each had three gold medals apiece.

Special Olympics Stanly County will now begin preparing for the Fall Tournament in late summer and get ready for the competition that’s scheduled for Nov. 13-15 in Charlotte and Concord. The fall edition of the statewide event will feature bocce, cycling, golf, roller skating, soccer, softball and tennis.