Berkshire Athletes Take Medals at USA Games

Three members of the BCArc Titans – Berkshire County Arc’s Special Olympics Team – competed in the recent USA Games in Minneapolis, earning a Bronze medal in bowling with Team Massachusetts, and a Bronze medal in the 100 meter relay.

Nearly 3,000 athletes gathered for a week of competition from all 50 states.

Shannon Cowell brought home the Bronze Medal in the team relay running for Massachusetts.

Joshua Brennan earned the Bronze in a bowling event.

Titan teammate Jenna Thomas also won a Bronze in bowling, along with 4th in the Doubles event.

Demi Lovato sang for the Opening Ceremony at Huntington Bank Stadium. This year’s Games included 16 sports and featured 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, and 10,000 volunteers, along with more than 75,000 fans from across the country.

“Every one of them work so hard for these competitions,” said Chris Ferrari, coach of the BCArc Titans. “It is an exciting event that they will remember forever.”

“We are so proud of our athletes,” said Maryann Hyatt, BCArc President & CEO. “They show us that with determination and focus you can accomplish anything. Western Massachusetts is lucky to have them represent us to the entire country.”

Only the Gold medal winners at the State level qualified for Minnesota.

To reach the games in Minneapolis, athletes competed regionally in Great Barrington and North Adams for track and field, then at the state level at Harvard University, staying in Boston University dorms. The statewide bowling competition took place in Auburn. Only the Gold medal winners qualified for Minnesota.

“Work hard, have determination and dedication,” advises Shannon. “Overall, just have fun in whatever you participate in.” Pamela Betz, service coordinator for Mass. Department of Developmental Services, helped train Shannon and traveled with her for support at the Games.

Athletes from Team Massachusetts take a break between competitions to enjoy their achievement together.

“I had a lot of fun, and I am happy how I prepared for the events,” Jenna said, who also competed four years ago in Orlando, Fla. “I made new friends, and I think the whole team did great.”

Josh is also a veteran medal winner, competing in Track and Field at the 2018 USA Games in Seattle.

“I have a lot of cousins in Minneapolis, so I had some family fans cheer me on, which was so great,” said Josh.

The Berkshire athletes traveled with their families, but spent the week and the nights exclusively with the other athletes from around the country.

Also representing the Berkshires was Berkshire resident Kaitlyn Critchley, who competed with the Berkshire Tee Timers, and coach Fran Brilliant. The two golfers earned the Silver Medal in the Unified Division. Kaitlyn competes with the Red Raiders in Massachusetts.

Titans Coach Chris Ferrari noted the critical support given during the year given from BCArc staff and the Special Olympic families.