FORT COLLINS — The Cortez Special Olympics Swim Team just completed the 2000 season with a series of victories at the Colorado State Summer Olympic Games held June 2-3 on the campus of Colorado State University.

"This year’s team was relatively young with several of them competing for the first time," co-head coach Jim Carton commented. "They were coming off a successful Regional meet only a few weeks ago in Pagosa Springs. The team members did very well."

Heather Fields brought home a gold and a silver medal in the 15-meter and 25-meter flotation races. Jennifer Romero took two silvers in the 25 back stroke and 24 freestyle.

Jesy Kirsch, a newcomer on the team, came in sixth.

Jacob Milligan captured a pair of golds in the 25 freestyle and 50 free.

A highlight of the games took place at the opening ceremonies, according to Carton.

The torch was brought into the arena by members of the Colorado Police Officers Association, completing a year-long torch run. Carton said after the lighting team members were selected for the World Games and will represent Colorado.

"To be considered eligible for selection, a person had to have received a gold medal during the previous Winter Olympic Games. We are fortunate to have Jennifer Romero selected to represent Cortez and all of Colorado in Anchorage in March, 2001. She will compete in the 100-meter snowshoe race."