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Show Wed/Thurs/Fri, February 19-21, 2020 Newcomer skis to success at 2020 Special Olympics Wyoming Games Rookie snags gold in alpine and cross country skiing MARIEL WILSON Jackson Hole News&Guide JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — Like many athletes, Riley Jones begins each race with a mantra. “I am speed,” he repeats to himself, quoting Lightning McQueen, a character from “Cars.” But unlike most athletes, Riley, 12, is now a three-time Special Olympics gold medalist. The 2020 Special Olympics Wyoming Winter Games concluded Feb. 6, wrapping up three days of competitive cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, alpine skiing and snowboarding. The games, hosted by Special Olympics Wyoming, Teton Adaptive Sports and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, feature races across five skill levels ranging from novice to expert. Riley fell in the former category, having never participated in the Special Olympics before last week. He’d never even been on skis before this season. But he wasn’t alone in his trials, which included cross-country and alpine skiing. His parents stood at the sidelines cheering and holding a brightly colored sign reading “Athletes Fly High” on one side and “Go Riley Jones 102” on the other. After years of encouraging Riley to try winter sports, his mom and dad, Connie and Corey Jones, were elated to watch him enjoy the snow — and win gold. “His teachers were really encouraging,” Connie Jones told the Jackson Hole News & Guide. His parents credit Riley’s special education teachers for his success on the Special Olympic fields and slopes. Jackson Hole Middle School special educator Morgane Van Voorst, affectionately known as “Mrs. Van,” changed Riley’s relationship with skiing. “The two of them have clicked,” Connie Jones said. “At the beginning of the school year, she was like, ‘We’re going to get him out there and teach him how to ski.’ And we were nervous because he won’t even ride up the gondola. “But she got him up the gondola, she got him skiing, and he is as confident as he can be. ... Now we’ll be able to take him up to the mountain to go skiing, and I can’t believe that. It was a long time coming, and we’re so excited.” “I’m going to have to get on my snowboard again,” Corey Jones said. Riley took home gold medals in cross-country and alpine skiing, but his parents are proud of more than his performance in the games. They’re also beaming about his skillfulness navigating an action-packed three days. “This is sensory overload for all of these kids, and they are powering through it,” Connie Jones said. “It makes me feel so glad for their future. They’re getting used to what life is going to be like sometimes.” The Special Olympics Wyoming Winter Games included a torch run ceremony on Feb. 4 with opening festivities that evening, award presentations throughout the games and a victory banquet and Disney-themed dance party the evening of Feb. 5. The games concluded midday Feb. 6. One of Riley’s ski coaches, Juli VanEenenaam, said she loves spending time on the slopes with the Special Olympians, having been a longtime ski buddy volunteer. “I’ve been doing this for over 20 years because of how rewarding it is,” VanEenenaam said. “I’ll keep coming back year after year. This is all one big team.” By the smiles and celebratory cheers it’s clear the Winter Games are a rewarding endeavor for coaches, families, volunteers and, especially, the Olympians. As of Feb. 4, Riley had never skied competitively before. By the next day he was a gold medalist. When asked if he wants to continue skiing, Riley smiled and said, “Forever.” Some of the pets at Nuzzles & Co. looking for love These animals are available to be seen at the Nuzzles & Co. Adoption Center and Rescue Ranch. Our Adoption Center is open everyday from noon to 6 p.m. It is located in the Outlets Park City in Kimball Junction. Our Rescue Ranch is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 5p.m., and closed Mondays. The Rescue Ranch is located at 6466 N. Highview Road in Peoa. Cocoa Donnie Hank Herzon This sweet little gal is very Cocoa. She loves attention and loves to go for walks. She prefers a home without dogs but is okay around cats. She would be best in a home with children over the age of 5. Come and meet this sweet little gal today! Meet Donnie, this little guy is 3 years old and a little shy at first but is very sweet. Donnie prefers to be held in your arms, but he also walks well on a leash. He would do well in a home with other small dogs and cats, and older children. Meet Hank! This little guy is shy at first but once he warms up he is a complete sweetheart. Hank is looking for a home to give him plenty of love but also take him on lots of adventures. He is good with cats and other small dogs. Herzon is a cute little 12 week old lab mix puppy. He loves to be held, gets along with other dogs and would make a great addition to any active family. He will probably grow up to be a medium sized doggo. Blanche Dustin Gwen Wendy This love bug is Blanche! She loves to give nose bops and get lots of pets. She is a small girl with the most beautiful orange tabby coat. Come by the Adoption Center and meet her today! Dustin is a sweet little 6 month old tabby kitten. He has the fluffiest fur and a grumpy face. He loves to be held and play. He gets along with other playful cats and could be good with a nice dog, with a slow introduction. Gwen is a beautiful five-yearold long haired tortie and white. We rescued Gwen from one of our shelter partners in December. She’s incredibly sweet, and she would be a great addition to any cat lover’s home. Wendy is a sweet and affectionate older kitten. She was the smallest of her litter, but has now blossomed into a beautiful teenager!! She’s a bit on the shy side, but loves to cuddle and lay in her person’s lap. While in foster care, she was great around smaller dogs. Wanted: Volunteers These Organizations are looking for volunteers. If you would like to include your group in this section, please email information to copyeditor@parkrecord.com. Please limit your entry to no more than 75 words Kimball Art Center The Kimball Art Center seeks dedicated volunteers in a variety of areas at its largest fundraiser of the year, the 49th Annual Park City Kimball Arts Festival on Historic Main Street Friday, Aug. 3 – Sunday, Aug. 5. Volunteers will have the chance to give back to the community while enjoying an environment of art, cuisine and music. For more information about available positions, responsibilities and benefits, please visit our website at ParkCityKimballArtsFestival.org/ volunteer or contact volunteers@kimballartcenter.org. org. Mega Genius Supply Store & IQ HQ Ready to make a difference in the lives of local students? The Mega Genius Supply Store & IQ HQ is looking for a few interested (and interesting) adult volunteers to support students in grades 2-12 with homework at our quirky, free after-school tutoring program. Hours are flexible. Tutoring happens Mon-Thurs after school until 5pm at 435 Swede Alley. Learn more by calling Stacey at 435-655-8252 or emailing ssayers@parkcityinstitute.org. Orientation and training required. Join us in this fun and fulfilling work. Find us on Facebook. The Mega Genius Supply Store & IQ HQ is a project of the Park City Institute. Park City READS Park City READS (Recognizing, Educating and Advocating for Dyslexic Students) promotes elevating literacy through early identification of struggling readers, effective reading interventions, and appropriate classroom accommodations. Park City READS helps people navigate through diagnostic testing, school interventions, tutoring, and technology resources. Membership is free and open to the public. For information about volunteer opportunities, contact ParkCityREADS@gmail.com or search for PC READS on Facebook. National Ability Center The National Ability Center is seeking volunteers for the Summit Challenge, Utah’s largest ride for cyclists of all abilities, which will take place Saturday, Aug. 27. The Summit Challenge is a fully supported road ride of 16, 52 or 102 miles through the scenic mountains and valleys of Summit and Wasatch counties. To sign up, visit: SummitChallenge100.org/volunteer. Volunteers interested in cycling, bike maintenance, archery, water sports, climbing and more are always needed, Mondays-Saturdays. Email volunteer@discovernac.org to get started. Nuzzles & Co. Nuzzles & Co. is looking for volunteers to help furry friends waiting for adoption. This local nonprofit needs people to walk dogs, socialize with the animals, and assist with pet care and cleanup. Shifts are available at the Tanger Outlets adoption center from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and at the Rescue & Rehab Ranch from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information contact Nuzzles & Co. at 649-5441 or visit nuzzlesandco. B-7 The Park Record Park City Museum Do you love history and Park City? Are you interested in furthering your involvement in the community? The Park City Museum needs volunteers to help install and take down traveling exhibits, catalog and process collection items, assist in the Research Library, lead both adult tours and school group programs, and assist as gallery guides. Please contact Jenette Purdy at the Park City Museum for more information: 435-649-7457 or education@parkcityhistory.org. Park Silly Sunday Market Join the Park Silly Family this year and be a part of Utah’s first zero waste, free street festival every Sunday from June 3rd – September 23rd. Volunteer for one Sunday or more, stay for the morning or stay all day. Bring a buddy, a grandchild, or a neighbor and qualify for fun prizes and a free lunch while you serve your community and make new friends. It’s the best volunteer gig in town! Call Beth at 435-649-5151 or sign up at www.parksillysundaymarket.com/apply/ volunteers. Park City Medical Center Park City Medical Center needs volunteers 14 to 114 years old who want to work in a welcoming environment, stay busy with a variety of tasks, and have fun on the job. If you’d like to put your talents and skills to good use and help out a valuable community resource, please contact the volunteer manager at lisa.graham@imail.org. For a full list of volunteer opportunities, visit parkrecord.com/volunteers #1 Title Company 2018 Th e Park Record. 2019 Committed To NARI TROTTER STEFANIE BOWEN (435) 649-8322 theteam@parkcitytitle.com 1670 Bonanza Drive • Park Record Building |