The Ross County Special Olympics Trailblazers came home from the 2026 Special Olympics Ohio State Summer Games with medals, memories and moments that will be cherished for years to come. The event was May 29-31, 2026, and is Special Olympics Ohio’s largest annual competition, bringing together athletes from across the state to compete in a variety of sports while celebrating inclusion, achievement and friendship. This year, our local program proudly sent 43 athletes to compete in athletics (track & field), bowling and powerlifting.
Ross County athlete, Deion Ford, was selected as a torch bearer to carry the Flame of Hope into the opening ceremony at Ohio Stadium.
“[Ford’s] selection is a tremendous honor and a proud moment for the entire Ross County delegation, as he represents not only the Trailblazers but all Special Olympics athletes who strive to lead through courage and determination,” said Amy Beeler, Superintendent, Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities (RCBDD)/The Pioneer Center.
The Trailblazers celebrated a historic achievement in athletics. Jamaine (JJ) Barnhart became the first athlete in Ross County Special Olympics history to compete in the Pentathlon, one of the most demanding events in track and field. Barnhart’s earned a Silver Medal, making history for the program and setting a new standard for future athletes.
Ross County bowlers earned multiple medals and competed among the top athletes in the state. The powerlifting team showed incredible strength and perseverance, bringing home Silver and Bronze Medals while continuing to improve year after year.
The athletics team delivered outstanding performances throughout the weekend, collecting numerous Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals. One of the standout performances came from the Ross County 4×100-meter relay team, which earned second-place in its division, a result that could place the team among the top 10 relay teams in Ohio.
“We are incredibly proud of every athlete who represented Ross County this weekend,” said Courtney Davis, Special Projects and Special Olympics Director, RCBDD/The Pioneer Center. “Our athletes demonstrated determination in every event and that is what we ask of them. Whether they returned home with a medal or a personal best, each athlete is an inspiration to all.”
Beyond the medals, athletes enjoyed many of the traditions that make the State Summer Games special including Olympic Village activities, swimming with teammates, shared meals, opening ceremonies and the highly anticipated athlete dance. The weekend was filled with friendships, laughter and memories that extended beyond competition.
The Ross County Special Olympics program extends its gratitude to the coaches, volunteers, families, sponsors and community supporters who make opportunities like the State Summer Games possible.
Full List of Ross County 2026 State Summer Games Winners
Bowling
• Alan Blue – 3rd place
• Alex Garza – 1st place
• Alisha Colburn – 2nd place
• Andrew Bader – 1st place
• Asher Duncan – 2nd place
• Austen Hall – 2nd place
• Chrissy Barrow – 4th place
• Christian MacAllister – 2nd place
• Conor McMahon – 6th place
• Eric Denis – 6th place
• Hayden Breakfield – 3rd place
• Heather Giles – 6th place
• Jackson Waller – 1st place
• Janet Vest – 2nd place
• Kassey McGuire – 2nd place
• Lee Conley – 2nd place
• Renee Dawson – 6th place
• Rick McNichols – 4th place
• Tim Malone – 3rd place
• Victoria Burns – 3rd place
Powerlifting
• Carson Lane – 3rd place
• David Horsley – 4th place
• Noah Hiles – 2nd place
• Trenten Jones – 5th place
Athletics
25 M Assisted Walk
• Jeanine Long – 1st place
25 M Wheelchair Race
• Sarah Hicks – 6th place
50 M Run
• Bob Mayo – 1st place
• Chris McLaughlin – 2nd place
• Gale McKee – 5th place
50 M Wheelchair Slalom
• Sarah Hicks – 1st place
100 M Dash
• Andrew May – 1st place
• Logan Winegardner – 1st place
• Nate Breakfield – 3rd place
• Patrick Glandon – 3rd place
• Sabrina Neff – 4th place
• Samuel Landon – 2nd place
• T.J. May – 3rd place
100 M Walk
• Bob Malone – 5th place
• Brandon Inglin – 5th place
200 M Dash
• Jonathon Jeffers – 1st place
200 M Run
• Deion Ford – 2nd place
• T.J. May – 3rd place
4×100
• Trailblazer Black: Andy May, D.J. Neff, Jonathan Jeffers, T.J. May – 2nd place
• Trailblazer Red: Deion Ford, Logan Winegarden, Patrick Glandon, Samuel Landon – 4th place
800 M Run
• Deion Ford – 6th place
Long Jump
• Andrew May – 1st place
• D.J. Neff – 4th place
• Nate Breakfield – 3rd place
Mini Javelin
• J.P. Swenson – 7th place
Pentathlon
• J.J. Barnhart – 2nd place
Shotput
• J.P. Swenson – 5th place
• Samuel Landon – 2nd place
Softball Throw
• Bob Malone – 2nd place
• Brandon Inglin – 5th place
• Chris McLaughlin – 1st place
• Gale McKee – 2nd place
• Jeanine Long – 4th place
• Jonathon Jeffers – 1st place
• Logan Winegardner – 4th place
• Sabrina Neff – 6th place
Standing Long Jump
• Bob Mayo – 4th place