Local athletes returned home with double silver medal wins from the Special Olympics West Virginia annual fall festival state tournament in Parkersburg on Saturday, November 2.

Special Olympics is a global organization that empowers people with intellectual disabilities through sports training and athletic competition, providing year-round opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy through participation.

Upshur County Special Olympics fielded teams in both volleyball and unified flag football at the state tournament, with both squads earning silver medals for their performances. The flag football achievement marked a significant milestone for the program, as the local Special Olympics group hadn’t fielded a fall flag football team in more than eight years.

The unified flag football team featured athletes Cole Kelley, Richie Riggleman, Will Brown and Garrett Jones, coached by Marcus Miller and Nic Rice. Unified Sports brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team, promoting inclusion and breaking down stereotypes.

The volleyball team also captured silver under the guidance of coaches Stacy Ogden and Shaylee Hebb.

The local Special Olympics group is now preparing for the Special Olympics West Virginia state bowling tournament, scheduled for December 6-7 in Charleston. The bowling season represents the program’s most financially demanding competition, with expenses including weekly practice for 30 bowlers over 10 weeks, plus transportation, room and board for the two-day state tournament.

Upshur County Director Dion Wamsley is seeking community support to help offset these costs. Donations can be mailed to Special Olympics Upshur County at PO Box 275, Buckhannon, WV 26201, or donors can contact Wamsley directly at 304-704-1406.

The organization’s Christmas party is scheduled for December 19, where athletes can sign up for the Spring Games to be held in Morgantown in March 2026.