Area Sports by Michael Dashiell

The joy of competition knows no boundaries.

The peninsula's own squad of Special Olympics athletes - the Clallam County Orcas - went head-to-head with the best in the state at the Washington State Summer Games at Fort Lewis on May 29-31.

A dozen Orca teammates competed in track & field events and seven competed in swimming events, braving the 80-degree heat for fast finishes and the camaraderie of sportsmanship.

The team brought home 10 gold medals and numerous other awards, said Wendy Bonham, who coached the track & field squad with Steve Kellmyer.

Russ Bonham coached the Orca swimmers.

The Orcas are hosting softball practices as they build a team for the Special Olympics regional softball tournament in August.

Practices start Wednesday, June 17, and are each Wednesday from 5-6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., each session at the Peninsula College field at 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd. in Port Angeles.

New players need to fill out paperwork.

Athletes can be part of a full team or, if they don't feel ready for that, may participate in individual skills competition.

"We provide comp for all levels," Wendy Bonham said.

The regional tournament is Aug. 1 in Olympic. The state tourney, dubbed the Summer Sports Classic, is scheduled for Aug. 22-23 in Everett.

For more information, call Wendy Bonham at 477-4134.