A Quakertown man recently won a gold medal at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria. Ernie Reich captured the Giant Slalom in the AS Alpine Intermediate at the international event on March 23. His time of five minutes, 12.66 seconds defeated all other competitors.

          "Winning felt so wonderful," Reich said. "It took a lot of energy and breath out of me."

          Reich's accomplishment was celebrated with a parade through Quakertown on Saturday. He waved to a large crowd from a friend's black Jeep.

           The 47-year-old, who contends with intellectual disabilities, also competed in the Slalom and Super G events during the games.

          "This is a big deal for the area and our team," said Tim Johnson, coach of the Montgomery County Special Olympics Alpine Team. "I've never had a pupil win a gold medal before."

          In February, Reich – who lives alone and handles most of his life skills independently, but does not drive – won two goal medals and a silver medal at the Montgomery County local competition.

          One month earlier, at the state winter games at the Seven Springs Resort near Pittsburgh, Reich finished third at the Slalom and third in the Super G.

          Reich thanked his friends and family, as well as Johnson and every other coach who helped him advance in his racing career. He specifically referenced instructors to he met during a trip to Vermont "who taught me how to go fast."

          Reich is one of approximately 30 active members of the countywide team, according to Johnson. He said the members, who range between the ages of 11 and 55, meet every week during the season at theSpring Mountain Ski Mountain Ski Area.