The Southeast Iowa Flaming Marshmallows hosted the Special Olympics Southeast Iowa Regional Basketball Tournament on Saturday, February 7th, marking the fourth year the team has welcomed athletes from across the region to compete in Fairfield.
Approximately 75 athletes from throughout Southeast Iowa participated in the event, with around 116 coaches and athletes combined in attendance. The tournament also drew support from local volunteers and members of the Fairfield High School basketball team.
Local Team Results
The Southeast Iowa Flaming Marshmallows had 17 athletes compete in the tournament, earning an impressive medal count. The team captured nine gold medals, three silver medals, one bronze medal, along with three fourth-place finishes and two fifth-place finishes.
Gold Medal Winners: Alexis Dobson, Cody Harris, Dalila Dick, Dorotea Orgovanyi, Jeremiah Cosgrove, Maddison Ross, Reese Klett, Savannah Taylor, and William “Bill” Shaw.
Silver Medal Winners: Ian Jones, Luke Balster, and Mary Mather.
Bronze Medal Winner: Derek Bohrn.
Fourth Place: Garrett Kokemuller, Logan Clark, and Morgan Vaughan.
Fifth Place: Kaeden Bare and Nancy Mather.
The nine gold medalists have qualified to compete at the Spring Classic on March 14th in Iowa City. The Spring Classic will also feature powerlifting and cheer/dance competitions, and the Flaming Marshmallows plan to send their cheer/dance team to compete as well.
Community Connection
According to Delegation Manager and Head Coach Janel Orgovanyi, hosting the regional tournament allows the team to showcase their athletes in front of hometown supporters.
“We love hosting so that our local fans, family and friends can see us in action,” Orgovanyi said. “Special Olympics is more than just sports; it’s a community. Our athletes compete year-round and develop friendships that last a lifetime with athletes all over Iowa. They are no longer in the stands cheering on their siblings in a sport, they are part of that sport.”
The event also highlighted the important relationship between Special Olympics athletes and local first responders. Local police, sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, and EMTs were on hand to present medals to the athletes.
“Our local first responders are a huge part of our community. Having them there to cheer on our athletes helps those athletes develop bonds, so if an emergency does happen and first responders are present, the athletes know they are there to help,” Orgovanyi explained.
Inclusive Competition
Special Olympics competitions are designed to ensure every athlete can participate and excel regardless of ability level. Events are organized based on individual ability, with modifications available for those who need them.
Examples of modifications include beeper balls for visually impaired athletes, bowling ramps for wheelchair users, walk-with-me events, and modified skiing equipment that enables athletes using walkers to compete. Competitions match athletes into groups with similar abilities, ages, and sometimes gender to ensure fair and meaningful competition.
About the Team
The Southeast Iowa Flaming Marshmallows Special Olympics Team serves athletes from Davis, Henry, Jefferson, Wapello, Washington, and Van Buren Counties. The team is open to athletes aged 8 to 100, with practices held in Fairfield on Thursdays and Mt. Pleasant on Mondays from 5:30-6:30 p.m., September through May.
Currently, the team competes in softball, football, bowling, snowshoe, basketball, cheerleading, powerlifting, bocce, soccer, and track and field. The team hopes to add volleyball this year based on athlete interest.
There is no cost for athletes to join the team. Coaches fundraise in the local community, and regional and state competitions are funded by Special Olympics Iowa, including room and board for athletes and their chaperones.
The athletic year culminates at the Summer Games in Ames at Iowa State University, which features an Olympic Village, team parade, official torch lighting, and various activities including a dance. The event also provides free health screenings for all athletes and serves as a gathering place for Special Olympics families from across Iowa.
Upcoming Events
The Southeast Iowa Flaming Marshmallows will compete at the Regional Track & Field event in Ottumwa on April 18th.
Athletes, families, or volunteers interested in learning more about the Southeast Iowa Flaming Marshmallows can contact Janel Orgovanyi at 641-233-8295 or via email at seiaflamingmarshmallows@gmail.com. Information is also available at SOIowa.org.
Photography courtesy of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
