St. Luke’s disabled team wins big

Young athletes from St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Center were honored Tuesday in Spokane after setting national records and taking home dozens of medals in a national competition.

Sixteen athletes, ranging in age from 10 to 18, won awards in track and field, archery, pentathlon, three-on-three basketball, and power lifting at the Junior Disability National Championship in Florida last month, said their coach, Teresa Skinner.

About 300 athletes from around the country competed in the championships, Skinner said.

“It was such a fun trip with these kids,” she said. “It’s just so cool watching them.”

Team St. Luke’s won 95 medals and set four national records at the competition. The record-setters are Chris Taylor, Spokane, shot put; Taylor Nielson, Spokane, discus; Jeremy Weaver, Airway Heights, 400 meters; and David Watts, Chattaroy, pentathlon, Skinner said.