Terrebonne General Health System Partners with Special Olympics Powerlifting Team

Terrebonne General Health System has partnered with Special Olympics to provide its Powerlifting team with a state-of-the-art training facility, the Performance Training Center, located on Enterprise Drive, where they are preparing for the upcoming Special Olympics Summer Games, to be held on May 22 in Hammond, Louisiana.

The primary goal of the program partnership is to introduce and improve athletes' strength, coordination, condition, and physical well-being. All while helping the athletes achieve things they never thought were possible, or perhaps never even considered. As well as providing them the opportunity to learn more about, what they are capable of, both physically and mentally.

“Terrebonne General has been an incredible partner and provided our athletes and coaches with memberships to a facility with top-tier equipment, knowledgeable staff and the space that gives our athletes the best environment to learn and train,” said Chris Eagan, Special Olympics Coach. “This helped to ensure monetary situations have no bearing on the athlete’s opportunities to succeed and they are surrounded by individuals who all believe in what we're trying to achieve,” Chris added.

Special Olympics Powerlifting is the same as any powerlifting competition or federation. The full lift consists of the squat, bench press, and deadlift movements. However, because the athletes all have their individual challenges, they are allowed to compete in a combination of selected lifts or only a single event.

“I’m proud that we can provide these athletes with a place to train, grow, and prepare to compete at their best in the Summer Games,” said Phyllis Peoples, President and CEO. “Their hard work and dedication have been inspiring to watch, and we’re excited to be part of their path to competition. We wish each of them the very best as they compete in their respective powerlifting categories.”

The athletes meet 3 times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Monday and Wednesdays are focused on strength building and familiarity with discipline. Saturday is primarily used to practice commands and fine-tune technique.