The Clallam County Orcas Special Olympics softball and golf teams swept their divisions and brought home gold medals in the regional tournaments last week.

The Orcas sent two teams to the regional softball tournament held in Olympia, a unified team that consisted of eight athletes and five community members, known as partners, as well as a T-ball team consisting of area athletes.

The unified team played a three-game series against the PCFA Misfits, sweeping the Misfits in two games to secure the gold medal in the Unified Division 2. The gold medal locked up an automatic invitation to the Summer Games to be held in Everett.

The Orca T-ball team also only needed two games to take home the gold in T-Ball Division 3. The Orcas played the South Kitsap Alpha/Omega Wolves in the first game and the BKAT Topcats in the championship game, winning both games. The gold medal gave the T-Ball team an automatic bid to the State Tournament.

At the regional golf tournament played at Meadow Park Golf Course in Tacoma, the father-son pairing of Carr and Randy Brackett took the gold medal in their division. The duo made up of friends Emily Cook and Skip Stocks shot 2-over-par 38 for nine holes to win the gold medal. Aaron Taylor competed in the individual skills division and he took home gold, as well. The gold medals ensured the golfers an automatic invitation to the state tournament at Snohomish Golf Course.

Opening ceremonies for the Summer Games, the Special Olympics’ state championships, are set for Friday, Aug. 17, with competitions held Aug. 18-19. Summer Games include golf, softball and bocce ball events.

The Clallam County Special Olympics is a countywide organization giving individuals with special needs an opportunity to participate in organized sporting events. The events are competitive with athletes winning gold, silver or bronze medals for their efforts in sports such as softball, bowling, golf, swimming and track and field. The organization relies on community members who volunteer to coach, assist in practices, and help with logistics and fundraising.

If you would like to coach or volunteer or know someone that would like to participate as an athlete, “like” the Clallam County Orcas on Facebook for more information.