Bluffton’s Charlotte Lewis Brings Home Gold

Charlotte Lewis, a Bluffton local, has been competing in the Special Olympics since 2015. This past June she brought home a gold medal for the women’s 200-meter kayaking race that took place in Berlin, Germany. Lewis had to qualify for the world games by competing both locally and in Texas, then making it through an interview process. The Special Olympics World Games run from June 17 through the 25.

She put in work with hours of practice at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina multiple times a week with her Outside Hilton Head coach, Patty Robbins. In addition to kayaking, Lewis has competed in basketball, bocce, bowling, and equestrian. The town of Bluffton held a celebration parade for Charlotte at Wright Family Park on July 13th where Mayor Lisa Sulka presented Charlotte with the keys to the town.

Charlotte’s church, Lord of Life

Lutheran Church, the Rotary Club, The Kiwanis Club, the Knights of Columbus were all behind Charlotte financially and in spirit. Charlotte, and Kathy Cramer, the Executive Director of SOAR Special Recreation of the Lowcountry describe it as a whole community experience.

The Bluffton Sun sat down with Charlotte to hear more about her experience.

BS: You competed in five sports, is there a favorite? Do you prefer team sports or individual?

Charlotte: My favorite is bowling, I started that in 2018, my favorite other sport to do is horseback riding

BS: Training takes dedication. How much time each week do you spend training and how do you decide which sport to focus on? Do you train evenly for each?

For a year I did strictly kayak training. Twice a week I went out into the water when it was warm enough, and on the days I didn’t go into the water I would go to the gym. I competed in trial games in San Antonio, Texas. I was going to the gym 3 or 4 times a week. The coaches were sure we were going to make it. The requirements were that you have to get up and moving on your own, and you have to be

Please see CHARLOTTE on page 18A