LJHS Special Olympics earns Gold Medal at competition

By Anthony Collins

LPR Editor                             

   The energy was high and the excitement even higher Saturday as athletes from across Central Texas took the court for the Area 13 Special Olympics Basketball Skills competition, and the results were nothing short of outstanding.

   With more than 10 school districts represented, the event featured athletes who are building their basketball foundations and preparing to advance into 3v3 and 5v5 competition. While the Area 13 5v5 team will not compete until Feb. 21, Saturday belonged to the athletes sharpening their skills, and they delivered in a big way.

   Team Skills results were led by an impressive gold-medal performance from Team Skills 1 (LJHS). Kasey Pearson, Ivan Olvera, Lezly Yamille-Barahas, Bryanna Herrera, and Lilybeth Padron captured first place after months of dedicated practice and teamwork.

   Team Skills 2 (18+ & LHS) earned silver, powered by the efforts of Ayden Perales, Mallory Butler, Zabree Foley-Calderon, Aiden Williams, and Adriana Solorzano, while Team Skills 3 (LHS) secured the bronze with James Castillo, Makayla Yarbrough, Adriana Solorzano, Zabree Foley-Calderon, and Pedro Vasquez-Chavez rounding out the podium.

The individual competition was equally exciting.

• Ulices Ramirez (ABS) claimed gold in Individual Skills

• Faith Halliburton (CFE) also brought home gold

• Zachary Sanchez (BBE) earned silver

• Tomas Olvera (CFE) finished with a strong fourth-place performance

   Beyond the medals, the competition highlighted something even more meaningful: growth. After months of preparation, athletes showcased improved confidence, technique, and determination, a testament to their hard work and commitment.

   As attention now turns to the upcoming 5v5 competition on Feb. 21, Saturday’s event served as a powerful reminder that success isn’t just measured in medals, it’s found in progress, perseverance, and the joy of competition.