Hood River Special Olympics team competes in bocce ball

HOOD RIVER — Three Hood River Special Olympics athletes, Mariah Langer, Melody Nelson, William Dockham, and one Unified Partner, Mike Nilson, competed in bocce (also known as lawn bowling) against teams from 10 Northwest Oregon counties at Mountain View Champions Park in Beaverton in June.

One hundred eighty-nine athletes competed through gusty winds, rain, and hail. Awnings taking flight added excitement to the competition.

At the end of the day, the team of Langer and Nelson scored a Participation Ribbon while athlete William Dockham and Unified Partner Mike Nilson scored fourth place.

Hood River Special Olympics and bocce athletes sent thanks to Wy’East Vineyard for the use of their bocce courts for their eight weeks of practice leading up to the regional meet.

Hood River Special Olympics is always looking for more athletes and volunteers. For more information, contact hoodriver@soor.org.