Team Rhode Island Is
Home from the USA Games

The Recap

Representing Rhode Island on the national stage, the delegation of 49 athletes, Unified partners, coaches, staff, and medical team members competed with determination, courage, and sportsmanship while showcasing the power of inclusion through sport.

Team Rhode Island earned a total of 25 medals, including 5 gold, 9 silver, and 11 bronze, across Track & Field, Bowling, Cornhole, Powerlifting, Swimming, and Unified Slow Pitch Softball.

While the medals are worth celebrating, the USA Games experience was about far more than podium finishes. Athletes forged new friendships, cheered on teammates, achieved personal bests, and proudly represented Rhode Island throughout the week.

Gold Medals

Silver Medals

Bronze Medals

Gold Medalists

Thomas Poirier – Track & Field, 400m Race

Kathy Krzywonos – Bowling Singles

Derek McMurtery and Unified partner Sharon Laliberte – Cornhole Unified Doubles

Leah Schwender – Powerlifting Deadlift

Unified Slow Pitch Softball Team – Championship Game

Silver Medalists

Thomas Poirier – Track & Field, 200m Race

Thomas Poirier, Kayla Mergner, Sarah LaBreche, and Shaun Perez – Track & Field, 4x100m Relay

Emily MacLaughlin – Bowling Singles

Derek McMurtery – Cornhole Singles

Tommy Palmer and Unified partner Kathy Keough – Cornhole Unified Doubles

Dominick Dominguez – Powerlifting Bench Press

Leah Schwender – Powerlifting Combination Score

Ian Baldwin – Swimming, 50-yard Butterfly

Ian Baldwin – Swimming, 100-yard Freestyle

Bronze Medalists

Kayla Mergner – Track & Field, 200m Race

Sarah LaBreche – Track & Field, 200m Race

Tommy Palmer – Cornhole Singles

Dominick Dominguez – Powerlifting Squat

Dominick Dominguez – Powerlifting Deadlift

Dominick Dominguez – Powerlifting Combination Score

Leah Schwender – Powerlifting Squat

Leah Schwender – Powerlifting Bench Press

Charlie Kolb, Erika Allen, Ian Baldwin, and Sarah Brouillette – Swimming, 4×25-yard Freestyle Relay

Erika Allen – Swimming, 25-yard Backstroke

Sarah Brouillette – Swimming, 25-yard Backstroke

Special Olympics Rhode Island extends its gratitude to the athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, families, donors, sponsors, and supporters who made this journey possible. Their encouragement and commitment helped Team Rhode Island shine throughout the week and made this once-in-a-lifetime experience possible.

The medals will be remembered, but the impact of this experience will last far beyond the competition. The friendships formed, confidence gained, and memories created during the USA Games will stay with Team Rhode Island for years to come.

The Delegation

Meet Team Rhode Island

Twenty-six remarkable athletes, coaches, and Unified partners represented Rhode Island with pride in Minnesota.