CHAMPS — Competitors in the stand-up-paddle event show off their medals. In front, from left, are Volusia County Special Olympians Ember Dubea and Tiffany Dorber. Dorber took home a silver, and Dubea won gold.
The 2022 USA Special Olympics at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando are all wrapped up, and Volusia County’s athletes brought home six medals, including two golds.
In total, five Volusia County athletes competed in the games: Richard Tambini of DeLand, Trevor Hamilton of Ormond Beach, Ember Dubea of Port Orange, Tiff
PERSONAL BEST — Richard Tambini represented DeLand at the 2022 USA Special Olympics in Orlando. He’s pictured with one of his coaches, Bethany McClelland, who is also a Volusia County Schools teacher. Tambini placed fourth in two swimming competitions and seventh in another, beating several of his personal best times.
any Dorber of Edgewater, and Taineira Rivera of Ormond Beach.
The athletes competed June 5-12 in everything from swimming to bowling to paddling, and brought home a total of six medals. Dorber took silver in the stand up paddle competition, Dubea took home gold in stand up paddle, Hamilton brought home two bronze medals in bowling, and Rivera took home one gold and one bronze medal in swimming.
Tambini placed fourth in two different swimming competitions, beating his previous personal best.
Ma rga ret Tambini , Richard’s mother, said the event was a lot of fun. While the games kept them busy, she said, the athletes made the most of their time in Orlando.
“Everyone had a wonderful time,” Margaret Tambini told The Beacon. “It seemed like we were always on the go, but we also had a day of fun at the Magic Kingdom, a night at Animal Kingdom, as well as some time to hang out at the pool, play games, meet other athletes from other states and relax.”
