While the Paris Olympic games were winding down on Aug. 10, members of the Augusta Stars were going after the gold at the Cherokee County Special Olympics Georgia Kayak Invitational at Lake Allatoona, Ga.
Raven Allen, who won a silver medal in the 2023 Special Olympic World Games in Berlin, Germany, was among four Augusta Stars who claimed gold, winning in the 200-meter event. Allen got a chance to see Caleb Guy, her tandem partner from the World Games, who participated in Saturday’s event.
Also winning gold were Jon Lambert and Corey Hudon in the traditional 200-meter tandem.
Cooper and Amy Claus brought home a gold in the unified tandem. Eric Welch won a silver, and Chris Powell won a bronze medal.
Chris and Naomi Williams as well as Naomi Hicks and Naomi Williams won bronze in the 200-meter unified tandem.
The weekend included a first for many of the athletes as they spent the weekend camping to be near the competition site.
“For several athletes and volunteers, this was their first time camping out under the stars as they enjoyed the campfire, campfire cooking (and eating) and smores,” according to an email from Jeff Keating, a volunteer with the Augusta Stars. “There were even stories from the athletes of some guy with a big foot.”
