Sissy Flanigan invited to participate in the Special Olympics Summer Games

By Sally McKinney
Sissy Flanigan has been swimming in the Special Olympics in Alabama since 2002, earning at least 50 gold medals in a variety of events. However, this is going to be the most special Olympics for the Baldwin County star.
She has been invited to participate in the Special Olympics Summer Games to be held in Seattle beginning July 1. She is one of 143 athletes from Alabama to attend the 50th Anniversary of this biennial event.
Sissy and her Mom, Judie Flanigan, will fly to Seattle on June 30 in time to participate in the opening ceremonies in the University of Washington Huskie Stadium.
Her two older sisters, two nephews and three nieces will also be there to cheer her on while she competes in the 50 meter backstroke, 50 meter free style and 4 x 25 meter unified relay.
Sissy is an active member of Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church in Gulf Shores where she serves as an altar server.
Venues throughout Seattle will accommodate 13 additional sports including athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, flag football, golf, gymnastics, power lifting, soccer, softball, standup paddle board, tennis and volleyball.
There are only two athletes, both swimmers, from Baldwin County who will be participating in this exceptional event.
As a member of the Starfish Special Olympics Swim Team based in Gulf Shores, Sissy recently won gold medals in the recent state competition at Troy University in all three events in which she will participate in Seattle.
The Gulf Shores Starfish Special Olympics Swim Team participated in a variety of events at the recent Troy competitions. All the medals commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Summer Games.
Kristin Stewart and Jacob Hobbs won Gold Medals in the 25 meter freestyle event.
In the 50 meter freestyle Mary Johnston, Sissy Flanigan and Fred Johnston won Gold Medals;, Albry Myrick and Tal Suddeth won Silver and Molly Owens received a 4th place ribbon.
Mary Johnston, Albry Myrick, Molly Owens and Fred Johnston received Gold Medals in the 50 meter backstroke and Tal Suddeth won a Silver Medal.
The 4X25 Unified Freestyle Relay was won by Mary Johnston, Albry Myrick, Molly Owens, Sharon Brindle, Fred Johnston, Tal Suddoth, and Sissy Flanigan who all received Gold Medals.
Anyone interested in joining the team or wanting to volunteer with our swimmers, please contact Sharon Brindle ( 251-979-0287) or Judie Flanigan (251-554-4889)
The first Special Olympics Summer Games, founded by Eunice Kennedy and Sargent Shriver, were held in Chicago on July 20, 1968 at Soldier Field. The theme was “The Sky is the Limit ‘Choose to Include.’” At the opening ceremony 1,200 athletes ranging in age from 8 to 67 years old were recognized.
“The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games will showcase the abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities, promote the ideals of acceptance and inclusion through sport, and celebrate the transformative power of Special Olympics,” says Beth Knox, President and CEO of the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games.
Those interested in joining the team or who want to volunteer with the Starfish swimmers, should contact Coach Sharon Brindle ( 251-979-0287) or Judie Flanigan (251-554-4889).
Pictured: The Starfish Special Olympics Swim Team from Gulf Shores participated in the summer games at Troy University. First row from left, Kirstin Stewart, Sissy Flanigan; Second row, Molly Owens, Albry Myrisk, Sharon Brindle (Coach), Tal Suddeth, Jeanne Maples (Coach), Third row, Fred Johnston, Regina Coleman (Coach) Mary Johnston and Jacob Hobbs.