HOUGHTON LAKE - Jeremiah Stumpfig of Houghton Lake represented the United States in the Special Olympic World Games in Turin, Italy a couple of weeks ago winning 3 medals. Stumpfig competed in cross country skiing events winning a gold medal in the 1K race and the 2.5K race, while earning a silver medal in the relay. He joined Special Olympics because he needed something to do and has now been cross country skiing for three years. The trip was Stumpfig’s first time out of the country and he enjoyed the entire event.
Stumpfig said that it was fun and that his favorite part of the experience was going to Italy.
His mom, Annette Belonga, couldn’t have imagined that after such a short time.
“His coaches said, you know, that he had the chance to win. And I kind of went, okay, well, you know, that’s cool. It’s only been three years. So, we didn’t really expect anything. I had even said to him, you know, it’s all about the fun. It’s not about who wins or whatever, he said, yeah, he knew. We got there and he won, it just took my breath away. It was just my heart just exploded, and I couldn’t quit smiling,” said Belonga.