CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Ross County Special Olympics Trailblazers returned home in triumph this week following an unforgettable, medal-heavy performance at the 2026 Special Olympics Ohio State Summer Games.
Held from May 29–31 at Ohio Stadium and surrounding venues in Columbus, the event stands as the state’s largest annual inclusion and athletic competition. Ross County proudly sent a powerhouse delegation of 43 local athletes to square off against Ohio’s best in athletics (track and field), bowling, and powerlifting.
Carrying the Flame and Making Program History
The weekend kicked off with a massive individual honor for Ross County. Trailblazer athlete Deion Ford was hand-selected as an official torch bearer, proudly carrying the iconic “Flame of Hope” into Ohio Stadium during the opening ceremonies.
“His selection is a tremendous honor and a proud moment for the entire Ross County delegation,” noted Amy Beeler, Superintendent of the Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities (RCBDD)/The Pioneer Center. “He represents not only the Trailblazers but all Special Olympics athletes who strive to lead through courage and determination.”
Once the competitions got underway, Jamaine (JJ) Barnhart cemented his name in the local history books. Barnhart became the first athlete in Ross County Special Olympics history to ever qualify for and compete in the Pentathlon—one of track and field’s grueling multi-discipline events. He captured a historic Silver Medal, setting a brand-new competitive benchmark for the entire local program.
Team Spirit Beyond the Medals
While the Trailblazers dominated on the track, in the lanes, and at the lifting platforms, team directors emphasized that the true magic of the trip happened away from the scoreboards. Between events, local athletes took part in Olympic Village activities, swam with teammates, shared community meals, and danced at the highly anticipated athlete celebration.
“We are incredibly proud of every athlete who represented Ross County this weekend,” said Courtney Davis, Special Projects and Special Olympics Director for the Pioneer Center. “Our athletes demonstrated determination in every event and that is what we ask of them. Whether they returned home with a medal or a personal best, each athlete is an inspiration to all.”
The Complete Victory Roster: 2026 State Summer Games Winners
🎳 Bowling
The Ross County bowling squad tore through the lanes, securing three individual state titles alongside a handful of silver and bronze finishes:
- First Place (Gold): Alex Garza, Andrew Bader, Jackson Waller
- Second Place (Silver): Alisha Colburn, Asher Duncan, Austen Hall, Christian MacAllister, Janet Vest, Kassey McGuire, Lee Conley
- Third Place (Bronze): Alan Blue, Hayden Breakfield, Tim Malone, Victoria Burns
- Fourth Place: Chrissy Barrow, Rick McNichols
- Sixth Place: Conor McMahon, Eric Denis, Heather Giles, Renee Dawson
🏋️ Powerlifting
Testing their limits against the strongest lifters in the state, the powerlifting team secured a silver and bronze medal haul:
- Second Place (Silver): Noah Hiles
- Third Place (Bronze): Carson Lane
- Fourth Place: David Horsley
- Fifth Place: Trenten Jones
🏃 Athletics (Track & Field)
The track and field team put on a clinical performance across running, walking, jumping, and throwing disciplines, highlighted by a blistering second-place finish from the “Trailblazer Black” 4×100 relay team that could land them in the top 10 statewide rankings.
- First Place (Gold): Jeanine Long (25M Assisted Walk), Sarah Hicks (50M Wheelchair Slalom), Bob Mayo (50M Run), Andrew May (100M Dash & Long Jump), Logan Winegardner (100M Dash), Jonathon Jeffers (200M Dash & Softball Throw), Chris McLaughlin (Softball Throw)
- Second Place (Silver): J.J. Barnhart (Pentathlon), Chris McLaughlin (50M Run), Samuel Landon (100M Dash & Shotput), Deion Ford (200M Run), Bob Malone (Softball Throw), Gale McKee (Softball Throw), Trailblazer Black 4×100 Relay Team (Andy May, D.J. Neff, Jonathan Jeffers, T.J. May)
- Third Place (Bronze): Nate Breakfield (100M Dash & Long Jump), Patrick Glandon (100M Dash), T.J. May (100M Dash & 200M Run)
- Fourth Place: Sabrina Neff (100M Dash), D.J. Neff (Long Jump), Jeanine Long (Softball Throw), Logan Winegardner (Softball Throw), Bob Mayo (Standing Long Jump), Trailblazer Red 4×100 Relay Team (Deion Ford, Logan Winegarden, Patrick Glandon, Samuel Landon)
- Fifth Place: Gale McKee (50M Run), Bob Malone (100M Walk), Brandon Inglin (100M Walk & Softball Throw), J.P. Swenson (Shotput)
- Sixth Place: Sarah Hicks (25M Wheelchair Race), Deion Ford (800M Run), Sabrina Neff (Softball Throw)
- Seventh Place: J.P. Swenson (Mini Javelin)
Support the Trailblazers
The Ross County Special Olympics program operates as a non-profit organization offering year-round athletic training for individuals with intellectual disabilities ages eight and older. The program is driven entirely by community donations, sponsors, and local volunteers.
To learn how you can support or volunteer with the Ross County Trailblazers, contact Courtney Davis at (740) 273-1219 or via email at [email protected]. Information on broader community support programs can also be found through the Ross County Board of DD at co.fairfield.oh.us.
