Christina Paquin of St. Ignace (left) and Joan Aikens of Sault Ste. Marie with Heather Jackson aquatics coach at the Special Olympic National Games in Lincoln, Nebraska. Christina Paquin of St. Ignace won a gold medal in 200 freestyle swimming and Joan Aikens of Sault Ste. Marie earned silver medals in the individual medley and 200 freestyle during the weeklong Special Olympic National Games in Lincoln, Nebraska, Sunday, July 18, through Saturday, July 24.

During the opening ceremonies, Timothy Shriver, grandson of Special Olympic founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, addressed the athletes and paid tribute to his grandmother, who died in 2009.

Ms. Paquin also received a participant medal in the individual medley and 100 backstroke and Ms. Aikens received a participant medal in the 100 breaststroke during the annual event, which hosted 3,000 athletes from 47 states, 8,000 volunteers, 1,000 coaches, and 15.000 families, guests, and friends.