SANDPOINT — Sandpoint sent 11 athletes to the State Special Olympics recently in Twin Falls, bringing home a host of medals to the Panhandle.

The seven Sandpoint track and field athletes were part of 240 athletes from across the state who competed in those events, and they managed a very solid showing.

Lee Hudson earned a gold medal in the 25 meter race walk. Ed Williams, the team’s fittest athlete, earned a silver medal competing in the pentathalon, which includes the 100 meter dash, 400 meter race, running long jump, high jump and shot put.

Hayley Thompson was the youngest athlete in her division,earning a fourth place in the running long jump and a bronze medal in the 100 meter dash. Santana Martin earned a silver medal in the 100 meter dash and a gold medal in the 50 meter dash.

Michelle Couldry earned a fifth place in the women’s 100 meter race walk and broke her personal record for a gold medal in the softball throw. Caitlin Bayles earned a gold medal in the 10 meter motorized wheelchair event and Chelsea Dennis earned a gold medal in both the 30 meter motorized wheelchair slalom and the 400 meter race.

In Aquatics, Beverly Hudson, the team’s youngest athlete, earned gold medals in both the 15 meter and the 25 meter swim. Kevin Collins eared a silver medal and a bronze medal in the 25 meter and 50 meter freestyle events. Ashley Lengyel earned a gold medal in both the 25 meter butterfly and the 25 meter freestyle swim and Bob Liechtman earned a gold medal and a bronze medal in the 15 meter flotation swim and the 10 meter assisted swim.

“They were all fabulous,” said coach Chris Painter. “As were the coaches and volunteers who took them down to state.”