Special Olympics Rhode Island East Providence

For the first time since 2019, due to the Covid-19 epidemic, on Saturday, June 4th , the Special Olympics team from East Providence competed in the Special Olympics of Rhode Island’s 2022 State Summer Games, held on the campus of URI. Over 1,000 Athletes from all over the state (including 10 from East Providence) gather together for a weekend of competition including Aquatics, Bowling, Bicycling, Power lifting, Soccer, and Track & Field.

Opening ceremonies started this year with all of the teams marching into Meade Stadium and are cheered on by their friends and family. Then they have the lighting of the Olympic Torch. This is always an inspirational moment.

Besides the competition, there was also some additional outside activities provided by Special Olympics of Rhode Island. They had music, Zumba lessons, Yoga lessons, craft making activities, and massage booths. Then later that evening they have Closing ceremonies which was highlighted by the parade of over 200 motorcycles and an outdoor dance party.

It is so enjoyable to once again see the athletes dance and celebrate with the same athletes that they competed so hard against during the day’s competition. The amount of sportsmanship, effort, and courage that is on display during the weekend is truly inspirational. Seeing the look on the athlete’s faces, as family and friends cheer them on, is one you will not soon forget.

• Below are the results of the athletes from the Special Olympics of East Providence team at the 2022 State Summer Games.
  
  I would like to take this time to note that this was my last year as Head Coach of Special Olympics of East Providence, as I have officially retired. I want to thank the Volunteers, Partners, and the East Providence Athletic Department for their help and support. Most of all I want to thank the Parents and Guardians, of the many athletes who have come through the program, for trusting me with their athletes. I want you to know that I did my best to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for them. The “growth” in ability and confidence that I have seen in these athletes over the past 23 years has made this a very rewarding experience and provided me with memories that will last a life time.
  
  Thank You All!
  
  
  
  
  
  Results:
  
  
• Luis Cortijo Agasto: 50 Meter - Bronze , 100 Meter – 4th Place
• Matthew Allienello: Shot Put – 4th place
• Jessica Bullock: 50 Meter – Silver, 100 Meter – Bronze
• Michael Bullock: 100 Meter – Gold, 200 Meter - Bronze
• Katie Carcieri: 50 Meter – Bronze, Softball Throw – Silver Michael Conheeny: 50 Meter – 4th Place, Softball Throw – Bronze
• Kevin Dexter: 100 Meter – Gold, 200 Meter – Bronze
• Michael Neves: 50 Meter – Silver, Turbojav – 6th place
• Ben Patch: 50 Meter – Silver, 100 Meter – Bronze
• Anitra Valles: 50 Meter – 4th Place, Softball Throw – 5th Place
  
  Head Coach: Jim Bullock
  Assistant Coaches: Pat Bullock
  Volunteers: Tori DeCotis, Stacy Nadrowski, and Nathan Patch
  
  Thanks to all of the volunteers and parents who helped and supported our program during this difficult 2022 season. “Special Thanks” to the Patch family, for providing and setting up a 20 ft. x 30 ft. tent for the athletes at URI.
  
  If anyone wants to know more about the Special Olympics program here in East Providence, they can contact Gregg Amore (Athletic Director at East Providence High School), or Special Olympics of Rhode Island.
  
  Regards,
  
  Jim Bullock Head Coach