About 200 Special Olympics athletes went for the gold during the 2008 Special Olympics Virginia Winter Championships, Jan. 18-19.  Athletes competed in bowling, speed and figure skating, and gymnastics competitions at various venues in the area, and enjoyed a rousing Opening Ceremony at Dominion High School in Sterling.

Among the athletes competing was local resident and Special Olympics athlete Megan Jeffries (pictured).  Megan, is 20 this month, took to the ice Friday for the weekend’s figure skating event.  And, years of practice and dedication to the difficult sport led her to a bronze medal in the Level 2, Division 1 Figure Skating category. “All of our athletes from both figure and speed skating won medals in one of the events they participated in,” said Heather Jeffries, Megan’s mother.

Heather coordinated the Winter Championships figure skating alongside Eleanor Stone, whose daughter Kirsten also competed in the figure skating competition.  “The event was a wonderful example of spirit and showmanship.  The athletes and volunteers work tirelessly to reach this milestone and every year I am amazed at the level of skill, dedication and devotion given by the athletes, their families, volunteers and corporate sponsors.  This event wouldn’t be at all possible without the hundreds of volunteers who namelessly give their time, skill and support.  I look forward to it every year when a new goal will be reached by all the athletes.”

The Winter Championships is one of six state-level competitions Special Olympics Virginia holds each year.