Local athletes will compete in national games in Iowa
Jamie Fonseca isn’t just a well-decorated Special Olympic athlete.
He’s a ladies man as well.
“He is the biggest flirt,” teased Jennifer Courtright, Fonseca’s coach and Weidman senior.
Fonseca replied with a blush and a laugh.
“You hush,” he said.
Fonseca, a 25-year-old Mount Pleasant resident, was one of 3,000 athletes to compete this weekend at the Special Olympics Michigan 2006 State Summer Games at CMU.
And he did a lot more than just flirt with women.
He, along with Michelle Trombley, 27, of Alma, took the Special Olympics motto – “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt” – to heart.
Trombley and Fonseca will compete in the first-ever Special Olympics USA National Games, which run July 2-7 in Ames, Iowa.
Fonseca has been participating in Special Olympics for the past 10 years. He competes in the shot-put, softball throw and running events.
“I’m also good at basketball,” Fonseca said. “One of my friends taught me how to (get involved).”
Trombley will compete at the National Games in track and field events.
“I’m excited,” Trombley said. “I can’t wait. I have never flown before and I’ve always wanted to go.”
Trombley received second place in the pentathlon this weekend. The pentathlon awards athletes for high marks in the high jump, running long jump and the 400-meter and 100-meter runs.
Trombley has been competing in the Special Olympics since she was 15 years old. She said running and friends are why she keeps coming back.
“My favorite event is track and field because I like to run,” Trombley said.
Fonseca also said he enjoys the Special Olympic Games because of all the people, including the volunteers and coaches.
Courtright said Fonseca has so many medals that they could border his room.
But it’s the athletes’ personalities and never-give-up attitude that impresses her most.
“I’ve been coaching for three years,” Courtright said. “I can’t explain what they bring into your life. They’re always willing to do their best.”
Both local athletes will be well-prepared for Nationals.
To prepare for the games, Trombley said she practices with other athletes once a week, all year round.
“I also ran the 5K and torch run at the Highland Festival,” Trombley said.
