It was a day of mixed results last Thursday for the Trinidad and Tobago Special Olympics Team, currently in Los Angeles, California, USA, for the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games.
In Equestrian English Equitation Competition, athlete Joanne Piango scored 53 points to bring home a gold medal while Aaron Ben Ali won a bronze medal with 48 points.
In athletics, T&T's athletes competed in the finals of the men's 200m and 400m. In the 200m, Donald Doyle clocked 25.63 seconds to attain an 8th Place Ribbon. Yetendra Singh one minute, 8.26 seconds, and Ishmael Perpignac in 1:10.29, both won 7th Place Ribbons in their 400m races, respectively.
There were mixed emotions for Rickey Quow in his 200m race. Rickey, who is the brother of T&T international Renee Quow, came to the Games with a pair of running shoes donated by his elder brother and a promise to follow in the illustrious footsteps of his sibling.
For a brief moment it appeared that he had fulfilled that dream when he ran 25.22 to just be beaten across the finish line by Gharawy Faris from Saudi Arabia in 25.19.
It was subsequently learnt though, that Rickey had been disqualified for a “Lane Infringement” or crossing lanes. Rickey will have to await the 100m and 4 x 100m relay.
Female Bocce player Beverly Adams finished with a 6th Place Ribbon while, Renee Massiah, Alicia Khan, will be in action in Singles Competition on Thursday.
Thursday's Events
Basketball: T&T v Japan
Volleyball: T&T will face Russia then Croatia