‘Congratulations’: Chancellor Lee Adams wins gold at Special Olympics equestrian tournament

Chancellor Lee Adams, a member of Victory Farm, claimed a gold medal at the Special Olympics Southeast Regional Equestrian Tournament held in Mill Spring, North Carolina. As one of the 12 selected team members, Adams competed in both the Division Two Working Trails event and the Division 29 A Showmanship competition, riding his horse, Roe-ny.

The tournament took place at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, attracting participants from more than a dozen counties across North Carolina and South Carolina. Special Olympics North Carolina reported nearly 100 athletes with intellectual disabilities registered for the event, marking one of the largest turnouts in recent years following a post-COVID-19 boost in participation.

Upon completing the Working Trails event, Adams' grandmother, Saundra Adams, commended him, saying, "I love you. Roe-ny didn't go over the bridge, and that's gonna take off points from you, but you did good ok!" Adams secured the fifth position in the division, earning a pink ribbon. Later, during the Showmanship competition, an announcer declared Adams as the Gold medalist, declaring, "Congratulations, Chancellor!"

Saundra Adams expressed her pride, noting that it was Lee's first time competing in a competition. The family's extensive conversations and Lee's excitement were evident as he walked to the top of the podium to receive the gold medal. Victory Farm, a non-profit organization based in Gastonia, covers individual athlete costs and facilitates tournament trips through public donations, sponsorships, and community volunteers.