MILLSBORO, Del. - An Olympic-style competition brought neighbors together Sunday inside the Peninsula, a private residential community in Millsboro, where fun and philanthropy went hand in hand.
12 spirited teams competed across a variety of events, including pickleball, tennis, basketball, golf, and even sports trivia, as about 400 residents gathered to cheer them on. The goal wasn’t just bragging rights, but raising funds for Special Olympics Delaware.
According to Bies, the event has already raised over $8,000 for Special Olympics Delaware — and the final total is still being counted.
“To be able to do this for Special Olympics, to do something larger than ourselves, to bring our community together, I think that is just what we should all really have a chance to do,” said Susan Bies, one of the event organizers.
One of the competitors, Rich Gilman of Team Orange Crush, said his group was off to a rocky start with only two bronze medals by the halfway point. “I know we have two bronze medals in our pocket — one for golf and sports trivia. But so far, it's a long way to go.” Gilman said.
Crowds gathered for the lip-syncing contest and lively karaoke performances.
Crowds gathered for the lip-syncing contest and lively karaoke performances. Ultimately, “The Dream Team” walked away with first-place honors, but attendees agreed that the day was about more than medals.
According to Bies, the event has already raised over $8,000 for Special Olympics Delaware, and the final total is still being counted.
“I’d like to thank everyone that has come out to be part of making a difference,” Bies said. “And I hope anyone out there watching is saying, ‘Gosh, I want to do this too.’”
Ultimately, “The Dream Team” walked away with first-place honors.
She added that she hopes other communities will follow suit, blending fun with fundraising to support meaningful causes while building local bonds. This marked the first-ever community Olympics held in the neighborhood, an inaugural event that organizers hope will become a lasting tradition.