Special Olympics encompasses nearly 4.7 million athletes competing in more than 30 different sporting events in 169 countries. Seniors Kjell Hagen and Tyler Hannegan won the opportunity to be considered for the North American National Special Olympics in Seattle, WA, by winning the Special Olympic softball State tournament with their team, the Southwest County Tigers.

Special Olympics is an international organization focused on providing sports training and athletic competition in a variety of of Olympic-type sports for children and adult with intellectual disabilities.

“We went to the State tournament in Jefferson City, we were playing against a team called the Northwest tornadoes, and we beat them 16-6. Then we played Cape Girardeau, which we won 19-13 and we won a gold metal,” Hagen said. “It was really neat for me and Tyler to qualify for the USA games in Seattle.”

Hagen and Hannegan were awarded gold medals for their success.

“Winning gold qualifies the team to be considered for the USA games which are in Seattle on July 1-6, 2018. Special Olympics will then pick two or three softball teams to go to Sports Camp in June for tryouts. If they are selected then they go on the USA games in Seattle,” T. Hannegan’s mother, Chris Hannegan said.

After winning the gold medal, Hagen and T. Hannegan brought their medals to school, catching the attention of their SSD teacher Darla Maynard.

“Ever since they won the medals, they have been very excited and their self-esteem has come up. They have been sharing that with everyone, they are just very proud because they feel like they have brought that to Parkway West,” Maynard said

Hannegan, who plays second base, takes competition seriously and enjoyed the high-stakes at the state tournament.

“I liked winning the gold medal because I enjoy the big moments, when everything is on the line and you have to go out there and do your best,” T. Hannegan said.

For K. Hagen’s mother, Jen Hagen, the success of her son and his team resulted in both happiness and pride.

“Kjell started playing softball when he was 8-years-old through a league called Challenger Baseball. Challenger pairs up a child with a disability with a buddy. Kjell loved the game. In High School and as he became more competitive and developed more skills, he began to play for Special Olympics,” J. Hagen said. “I first was shocked, then I felt joy and excitement. I was also so proud of the entire team.”

This was the first time K. Hagan and T. Hannegan had beat teams of that caliber.

“They have worked hard, had fun and developed friendships and have made tremendous progress,” J. Hagen said. “Special Olympics is an amazing experience. As a parent and a volunteer assistant coach, I am extremely proud of each and every person on the team.”