Two Lake County athletes captured silver medals in the first-ever Special Olympics USA National Games that concluded on Saturday, July 8 in Ames, Iowa.
Power lifter Susana Avila brought home both silver and bronze medals from weightlifting competition.
Eric Saderlund, meanwhile, teamed with his father Robert to win silver in level two of alternate-shots golf competition. The pair got better by the day, shooting 73, 67 and 64 over the three days of competition.
A team from Colorado nosed them out for the gold medal, when after shooting 71s in each of the first two rounds, roared in the final day with a 59.
“Eric played absolutely fantastic,” said his father. “In fact, he was holding us up. I choked on some shots and he would say, Dad, not in the sand,” Dad, stay out of the water,” Pay attention, hit straight.” He was coaching me more than I was coaching him.”
Eric Saderlund, 23, has undergone four open-heart surgeries, has epileptic seizure disorders, cannot supinate (turn up) his hands and is deaf.
His trip to Ames was highlighted by being featured in a picture on the section (front) page of the Des Moines Register & Tribune upon his arrival via a Cessna jet sponsored by Chalk Hill Winery and meeting NFL quarterback Kurt Warner during Punt, Pass & Kick competition.
Avila, also 23, competed in a forum that was completely full and excelled despite not having her regular coach present.
More than 3,500 athletes overall participated in the Special Olympics USA meet.
Volunteers to assist with the Special Olympics in Lake County are needed and should call Cathy Saderlund at 262-1269.
Contact John Lindblom at jlwordsmith@mchsi.com.
