Three Boundary County athletes to compete in Special Olympics this weekend

*Part of the Bonners Ferry Mountaineers team, left to right: Sierra Hand, Ladonna Gaston, Gavin Lee, Declan Tyler, Dylan Black, Coach John Beck*

The Special Olympics Idaho Summer Games are just around the corner. On June 6 and 7 in Nampa, the games will commence and three of the Bonners Ferry Mountaineers; Dylan Black, LaDonna Gaston and Gavin Lee, will be joining athletes from Coeur d’Alene, Moscow and the Silver Valley to make the trek together to compete and show the world what Special Olympics is all about. The athletes will showcase their dedication and determination on a word’s stage with nearly 400 other athletes from around the state of Idaho.

The Bonners Ferry Mountaineers will compete in track and field events, walking races, running, cycling, softball throw or shot put for distance.

The Bonners Ferry Mountaineers, coached by John Beck, is comprised of 16 Boundary County athletes ages eight to 83. This summer, the Mountaineers will be working toward the summer games by practicing their basketball skills, bocce ball, bowling and swimming.

Seven local athletes competed in a northern regional event for the Special Olympics at the University of Idaho last month.

“Three of our athletes competed in cycling.” Coach Beck says, “LaDonna Gaston won two first place ribbons, one in the 250-meter race, and another in the 500-meter race.”

Julie Wieble won a second-place ribbon in the 250-meter race and another second place in the 500-meter race and Laurie Vaughn earned two third place ribbons, one in the 250-meter race and another in the 500-meter race.

Four athletes competed in track and field. Dylan Black earned three ribbons: a first place in the softball throw, a first place in the 100-meter walking race, and a second place in the 200-meter walking race.

Sierra Hand earned three ribbons: a fourth place in the 100-meter dash, a fifth pace in the 200-meter dash, and a fourth place in the softball throw.

Gavin Lee won three ribbons: a fifth place in the softball throw, a third place in the 100-meter dash, and a third place in the 50-meter dash.

Declan Tyler earned three ribbons: a first place in the softball throw, a second place in 100-meter dash, and a third place in the 50-meter dash.

The main fundraiser for the Bonners Ferry Mountaineers is the sale of raffle tickets for a 2025 Toyota Tundra pickup truck. It is a statewide raffle, and the Mountaineers are trying to sell 200 tickets locally.

100,000 tickets are being sold statewide by other local Special Olympics teams.

Each ticket is $25. $17 goes directly to support the local team and the other $8 goes to the state office.

The drawing for the truck is in December.

Tickets can be purchased during the county fair at the Special Olympics booth, or you may purchase your tickets directly from John Beck. To purchase tickets or inquire about volunteering, he can be reached at (986) 205-1244.