LCHS is a school that thrives with unique talent, but few students can claim to be olympic athletes, a title that both Tyler Penniall (12) and Zachary West (12) can boast.
Tyler and Zachary were two of three hundred fifty-two athletes who competed in the Tri-Valley Regional Spring Special Olympics Games on Saturday, April 14. The Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities, with the goal of “transforming lives through the joy of sport everyday, everywhere.” The Tri-Valley Chapter is hosted annually at Crescenta Valley High School, with events in bocce ball, track and field, and basketball among others.
Tyler competed in track and field, winning a gold medal in the 50 meter race, a silver medal in the 400 meter race, and fourth place in the 100 meter relay. He also won two gold medals in the softball throw. Zachary competed in the softball throw as well, and cheered on his teammates.
This was the fourth year competing in the Special Olympics for both seniors. Zachary has also played AYSO soccer in the past, and currently plays baseball in Altadena.
According to Tyler, the hardest part of preparing to run in the Special Olympics was building the stamina to run fast for a long period of time. He ran with a practice group and a track buddy before the Olympics to become fast. The work paid off, and he was proud to win multiple medals for his running.
“It was exciting,” he said. “It was a very fun time.” He went on to say that his favorite part was running the 100 meter relay.
Zachary also had fun competing in the softball throw, where he greatly enjoyed throwing the ball. With his dad as his coach, he did really well.
LCHS is proud of these two talented olympic athletes, both of whom did a great job representing our school!
