Above: Brian Johnson during Unified Bocce competition during the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. Photo courtesy of Special Olympics
Silver wasn’t enough for EG’s Brian Johnson – together with his Unified teammate Dave Young of North Kingstown, Brian captured the gold medal in bocce for Team USA on Saturday (6/24/23). He will return home to Rhode Island Monday with both a silver medal for his singles performance and the gold medal in doubles.
It was close.
Brian and Dave defeated a Unified team from Paraguay that had beaten in an earlier round by one point but on Saturday, Team USA beat Paraguay 10-3.
According to Brian’s dad, Ray, before the final round Brian had told his mom, Jane, “he was there to do his job and get the gold for the USA.”
Jane and Kelly (Brian’s sister) were there for the competition along with family friend Gail Erinakes.
“He said he was tired and it was a heck of a week and a heck of a game,” Ray Johnson reported.
Brian wearing his gold medal. Photo by Jane Johnson
Unified Bocce teammates Dave Young, left, and Brian Johnson, right, with the Team USA Bocce coach James Price during team competition in Berlin June 24. Photo by Jane Johnson
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Congratulations to Brian & David to your accomplishments in the World Games.
Maybe now due to your success in Germany instead of pickle-ball courts and dog parks the Town will erect a bocce-ball court (with lights)in your honor.
Congratulations Brian on your accomplishment !! Hopefully, you will be our next parade Grand Marshall alongside Mr. Romano !!