OREGON, OH — The 2024 Special Olympics Ohio State Softball Tournament and Skills Competition were held at William P. Coontz recreational facility on Saturday, Sept. 7.

Over 300 athletes, partners and coaches from 24 local Special Olympics organizations participated, including Ashtabula County, Columbus Schools Comets, Darke County Dawgs, Erie County Bucks, Fayette County Dragons, Franklin County Flyers, Geauga County, Hancock County Buckeyes, Henry County Cougars, Logan County Braves, Lucas County Lightning, Marion County Hawks, Medina County Flash, Montgomery County Dawgs, Murray Ridge Raiders, Pickaway County Hawks, Portage County Thunder, Ottawa County Rockets, Stark County, Stark Public Schools Royal Knights, Tuscarawas County Rockets, Westerville Wolves, Williams County Sharks and Wood County Wildcats.

Both Fayette County Dragons teams qualified by winning the South-Central Regional Championship. In the Coach pitch division, all Special Olympic athletes compete except a coach pitches to their respective team. All four regions were represented. In the first game the Dragons faced Logan County from the Southwest region. The Dragons got the bats out early and won in four innings by a score of 20-0. In the Championship game the Dragons faced Medina. They were the representative of the Northeast Region. Going into the weekend the Medina team was undefeated on the season. The coaches were worried because the Medina team looked pretty solid offensively and defensively. The Dragons came out and pounded the ball early. They cruised to a 29-4 victory in five innings. They were led by Kenny Muncy who hit an over the fence home run in the game. The team was led by head coach Nick Oyer, and the Dragons finished the season with a record of 10-2 and were State Champions.

The Unified team is made up of Special Olympics athletes and partners. Only two regions were represented at the state tournament this year. The format for this division was the best two out of three games. They also faced a team from Medina out of the Northeast. In the first game, the Dragons won in five innings 20-1. The second game the Dragons came from behind and won 21-20. Coach Jon Manson said they didn’t play well in the second game, but everyone came through when it mattered. The Unified team also had an amazing year finishing 10-2 on the season and finishing with a State Championship.

The Fayette County Dragons would like to thank all of the athletes, coaches, partners, volunteers and parents for making this season an amazing one. The Dragons will face ‘Guns and Hoses’ on September 11 at Eyman park starting at 6 p.m. This game is a fundraiser for Fayette County Special Olympics. There will be a 50/50 drawing and concessions available. The community is invited to come out and support these teams.