Grant County Special Olympians, Josiah Hoeffner (third) and Rodney Brunson (fifth), receive their awards at the June 11 track and field regional competition in Milton-Freewater.

MILTON-FREEWATER — Grant County Special Olympians put their best foot forward, competing at the June 11 regional track and field meet.

Each of the 10 athletes were awarded for their efforts in their division and showed their signature sportsmanship.

The Grant County team includes Crystal Wimberley, Brian McKrola, Elizabeth Swarthout, Katie Latham, Rodney Brunson, Josiah Hoeffner, Caleb Madsen, Katie Shockley, Jay Colson and Charley Fronapel.

Karla Colson and Ashley Wyllie are co-coaches, and David Gill and Michael Snyder attended the event as volunteers.

“They each, individually, did their personal best, and that’s what Special Olympics is all about,” Colson said. “They had great sportsmanship. I’m proud of them all.”

Wyllie added, “Everybody was supportive of each and other, and it’s been going well.”

The athletes are now preparing for the July 9-10 Summer State Games in Newberg.

Athlete Crystal Wimberley competed in the 100-meter dash and shot put at regionals, and when a teammate was unable to participate in the 4×100-meter relay, she stepped in to help out.

“We all got closer to each other with some team bonding,” she said. “We’re ready for Summer State Games. We’re practicing hard.”