LEWISPORTE -
The medals keep pouring in for Mike Austin as he captured four medals at the track and field provincial Special Olympics Games in Gambo on June 19.
Mike won the gold 100 metre run; silver in 200m, silver in 400m in which he missed the gold by one-hundredth of a second and silver in shot put.
Carmel Casey, Mike's coach was very impressed with his performance at the provincials.
"He set personal bests in the standing long jump at 1.32m , 400m at 1:34.95, and 200m at 36.16 shaving three seconds off his previous personal best," said Casey. "Mike was very excited to be competing in the recent Provincial Championships in Gambo and was the spirit behind the Gander Team over the two-day competition.
"I expect him to continue this role at the national games in London (Ontario) July 11-17. Mike brings a smile to the faces of his fellow teammates as well as his coaches. Once again Mike made me very proud to be his coach."
Mike has been training hard for the National Special Olympics in July under the watchful eye of Kenny Mullett. His training has consisted of cardio, core conditioning, resistance training and plyometrics. He has also attended two training camps - one in St. John's in September of 2009 and a more recent one in Gander this past May. He underwent fitness testing at both camps and showed significant improvements in strength, cardio and balance from the first to the second camp.
Mike is cheered on by his parents Norm and Evelyn as well as his community. The Lewisporte Area Consumer Co-op has made a financial donation to Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador to offset the cost of Mike attending the National Games. The Co-op did not stop there as they went ahead and made a second donation to sponsor one of mike's teammates, Floressa Harris of Gander Bay.
The national games will surely be a remarkable experience as Mike gets to showcase his talent on a national level and compete with some of the best Special Olympians in Canada.
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