Shimna Stars Special Olympics Club Review 2014
On returning to training in September 2013 in Shimna Integrated College who would have thought that by June 2014 Shimna Stars SOC would have had 4 athletes represent the club as members of TEAM ULSTER Basketball winning Silver and Bronze medals at the Ireland Special Olympic Games held in Limerick, 2 athletes achieved their Bronze Award in ALP’s (Athlete Leadership Program), 4 athletes gained success in the individual basketball skills held in Antrim Forum and 1 athlete complete and pass his driving test.
Shimna Stars, competing in Division 1 of the Special Olympics Ulster Basketball League, achieved second position in the league with sterling displays against Northwest SOC and Antrim Borough SOC. All in all a wonderful season topped off by a brilliant fun night in Castleward where Club Player of the Year, Patrick Hennessy, was presented with his award.
Congratulations to Team Ulster members Glenn McBride, Liam Hennessy, Peter Watts and Sean Brannigan on their exploits in Limerick. Playing on Team Ulster (1) Glenn and Liam were deprived of a Gold Medal by a 3 point basket with the game in a stalemate with only seconds remaining on the clock. Similarly Peter and Sean were denied a shot at the Gold Medal when they too were defeated by Team Limerick by 1pt with only seconds remaining on the clock. This defeat came after overturning a 6 point deficit, to take the lead by 1 point, and to then only lose by the narrowest of margins. From this game they emerged exhausted but managed to hold Team Eastern (4) for the first half. They eventually tired and ran the entire bench to finish gallant winners of the Bronze Medal. A magnificent performance by Team Ulster Ladies ensured that they also were Basketball Silver Medallists.
Individual success came to club athletes Claire Grant, Michelle Crawford, Michelle Coyne and Martin Trimble at the Ulster Special Olympics skills day held in Antrim. These awards recognise the skills achieved by the individuals in a number of areas and demonstrate the level of progress being made.
In respect of the ALP’s (Athlete Leadership Program), Peter Watts and Michelle Coyne both have achieved Bronze status testament to their efforts and to the support given by their mentors.
Once again Peter led the way, being successful in passing his driving test and having his own vehicle to commute to work and training.
These successes along with an influx of new athletes and volunteers ensure that Shimna Stars Special Olympics Club, now heading into year 8, continues to flourish and provide a social and sports activity for those with a Learning Disability in the Down area.
Congratulations and thanks to all our Club Athletes, Volunteers, Family Members, and all who have supported the club in any way during the past year. To the Principal, Staff and Pupils of Shimna Integrated College who have provided facilities and support, also Down District Council Active Communities many thanks from Shimna Stars Special Olympics Club - we appreciate all your efforts.
(Special Olympics motto) ‘’Let me win, but if I cannot win, Let me be brave in the attempt’’
On returning to training in September 2013 in Shimna Integrated College who would have thought that by June 2014 Shimna Stars SOC would have had 4 athletes represent the club as members of TEAM ULSTER Basketball winning Silver and Bronze medals at the Ireland Special Olympic Games held in Limerick, 2 athletes achieved their Bronze Award in ALP’s (Athlete Leadership Program), 4 athletes gained success in the individual basketball skills held in Antrim Forum and 1 athlete complete and pass his driving test.
Shimna Stars, competing in Division 1 of the Special Olympics Ulster Basketball League, achieved second position in the league with sterling displays against Northwest SOC and Antrim Borough SOC. All in all a wonderful season topped off by a brilliant fun night in Castleward where Club Player of the Year, Patrick Hennessy, was presented with his award.
Congratulations to Team Ulster members Glenn McBride, Liam Hennessy, Peter Watts and Sean Brannigan on their exploits in Limerick. Playing on Team Ulster (1) Glenn and Liam were deprived of a Gold Medal by a 3 point basket with the game in a stalemate with only seconds remaining on the clock. Similarly Peter and Sean were denied a shot at the Gold Medal when they too were defeated by Team Limerick by 1pt with only seconds remaining on the clock. This defeat came after overturning a 6 point deficit, to take the lead by 1 point, and to then only lose by the narrowest of margins. From this game they emerged exhausted but managed to hold Team Eastern (4) for the first half. They eventually tired and ran the entire bench to finish gallant winners of the Bronze Medal. A magnificent performance by Team Ulster Ladies ensured that they also were Basketball Silver Medallists.
Individual success came to club athletes Claire Grant, Michelle Crawford, Michelle Coyne and Martin Trimble at the Ulster Special Olympics skills day held in Antrim. These awards recognise the skills achieved by the individuals in a number of areas and demonstrate the level of progress being made.
In respect of the ALP’s (Athlete Leadership Program), Peter Watts and Michelle Coyne both have achieved Bronze status testament to their efforts and to the support given by their mentors.
Once again Peter led the way, being successful in passing his driving test and having his own vehicle to commute to work and training.
These successes along with an influx of new athletes and volunteers ensure that Shimna Stars Special Olympics Club, now heading into year 8, continues to flourish and provide a social and sports activity for those with a Learning Disability in the Down area.
Congratulations and thanks to all our Club Athletes, Volunteers, Family Members, and all who have supported the club in any way during the past year. To the Principal, Staff and Pupils of Shimna Integrated College who have provided facilities and support, also Down District Council Active Communities many thanks from Shimna Stars Special Olympics Club - we appreciate all your efforts.
(Special Olympics motto) ‘’Let me win, but if I cannot win, Let me be brave in the attempt’’