STATE BOUND

A podium finish at the 2024 Special Olympics West Region Standup Paddle Games guaranteed a berth to the State Games and following two full days of paddle racing, which resulted in several personal bests and goals met, all eight of the Conchs Republic Paddlers accomplished the feat of garnering a state berth from the competition July 18-12 at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.

Standing atop the podium at days end, from Monroe County, were Stash Jackowski in the 800-meter event, topping teammate Vincent Janecka who placed third, and Kai Simcic Swanton took first in the 1,600-meter race just ahead of teammate Jennifer Averette, who was second, as well as Serina Seahorne, who came back to the finish in first during the 400-meter run, topping teammate Amanda Kirkman, who place second, while Christian Harnish took top honors in the 3,200-meter heat. In second place in the 4,800-meter event was Michael Neri.

All eight of the Conch Republic Paddlers will be back at Nathan Benderson Park for another two full days of paddling during the States Games from Aug. 15-18.