POLK COUNTY, N.C. — Chancellor Lee Adams earned a gold medal and a fifth-place ribbon at the Special Olympics Southeast Regional Equestrian Tournament in Mill Spring, North Carolina.
Adams was one of 12 team members representing Victory Farm who traveled to compete in the regional event.
The tournament took place at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, drawing participants from more than a dozen counties across North Carolina and South Carolina.
Nathan Brookins, a representative with Special Olympics North Carolina, said nearly 100 athletes with intellectual disabilities registered for the tournament.
Brookins noted that this year marked one of the largest turnouts for the event in five or six years, following an overall increase in participation post-COVID-19.
Chancellor Lee Adams competed in the Division Two Working Trails event while riding his horse, Roe-ny. During the event, an onlooker in the crowd praised his handling of the horse. “I know he struggles with walking, but on the horse - he seems like a natural!” the spectator said.
Following his run, Adams’ grandmother, Saundra Adams, offered him feedback and praise. “I love you,” Saundra Adams said. “Roe-ny didn’t go over the bridge, and that’s gonna take off points from you, but you did good ok!” Adams placed fifth in the division and received a pink ribbon.
Adams also entered the Division 29 A Showmanship competition, which required him to walk and lead Roe-ny through starts, stops, and backward movements strictly from memory.
After judges critiqued his performance, an event announcer declared the results over the public address system.
“We’re excited to announce that Chancellor Adams of Gaston County is winning the Gold today riding Roe-ny!!! Congratulations, Chancellor!” the announcer said. Adams walked to the top of the podium to receive the gold medal and a blue ribbon.
Saundra Adams watched the awards ceremonies and competitions throughout the day. “Well, like any proud mom, you know, I was saying that’s my guy,” Saundra Adams said. “He looked so good up there, and I was excited for him.”
She added that preparing for the tournament involved extensive conversations at home. “This is Lee’s first time participating in a competition,” Saundra Adams said. “So, he was definitely full of excitement. And we have talked about competitions a lot. And as long as you do your best, you’re still a winner, but he came out with medals too.”
Adams trains with Victory Farm, a non-profit organization based in Gastonia.
Although Special Olympics competitions are free for participating athletes, Victory Farm relies on public donations, sponsorships, and community volunteers to cover individual athlete costs and make tournament trips possible.
Saundra Adams said she and her grandson plan to participate in future equestrian competitions.
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