Shimna Stars Special Olympics were represented at the 2017 Regional Advancement & Skills Event Program on Saturday 1st by 10 Athletes competing in the Non-Advancement Skills section and 8 Athletes participating in the Regional Advancement Team event.
Skills Event
Despite the date the Shimna athletes turned out not to be fools. Competing in their respective divisions Shimna Stars athletes won 4 Gold, 3 Silver, and 2 Bronze with 1 Placed. The Male basketball Team emerged victorious in Division 2 to win Gold.
Winning Gold Medals were: Martin Trimble: Michelle Crawford: Jaden Stovell and Joanne McVeigh
Silver Medals: Emma Clendinning: Joshua Mallon: Michelle Coyne
Bronze Medals: Tori Campbell: Kitt Gotto also placed was Orla McKervey
This proved to be a very successful day for all involved with the Shimna Stars Special Olympic Club and once again proved the talent and ability that the group has developed over recent years and the months of coaching.
Team Event
Competing in Division 2 of the Team Event Shimna Stars SOC were pitted against Coleraine Cougars and Ards Wizards. Game 1 featured Shimna against the Cougars. This proved to be a very difficult assignment as the teams matched each other score for score during the first 3 quarters. For some considerable time it looked as if Shimna would not succeed on the day as numerous shots failed to fall for them. It was not until the final quarter the fitter Shimna Stars overcame the Cougars to win the game 18 – 13.
Game 2 matched Shimna against Ards Wizards. Despite a slow start and after some well chosen words from the Shimna coaches Shimna were able to relax and play their best basketball of the season. Shimna were always able to setup fast break opportunities and with great support play they dominated the floor and eventually ran out winners 33 – 7 to take the Gold Medal. This was a superb example of team work and support play exercised by the entire panel and a well earned result.
Team: Sean Brannigan, CJ.Hennessy, L,Hennessy, P.Hennessy, G.McBride, D.McCrum, R.McMullan, N.Rogan
Many thanks to the volunteers from Shimna Stars SOC who attended on the day, Elaine, Jenny, Kay, Anne, Michelle, John, Mark and Laurence and to all the volunteers who assisted in the preparation leading up to the games.
League Finals - May 2017
Shimna Stars Special Olympics Club came home with another batch of Silver Medals following the final round of League games in the Special Olympics Ulster Basketball League held in Antrim Forum last Saturday.
Male – Division 1
Playing in what turned out to be a very competitive Division 1 Shimna Stars put on a magnificent performance against eventual league winners North West A. Such was the nature of the Shimna performance that North West for the first time ever were denied scoring opportunity after opportunity by a fit and determined Shimna defence.
Although North West emerged as victors 10 – 2 they were made to work for every score. Had Shimna been able to sink any of the scoring chances which just would not drop for them, then the roles may well have been reversed. Holding North West to this level was a magnificent achievement for the entire panel.
In the second game of the day Shimna Stars took on Ards Wizards. From the tip-off Shimna were in command and ran into an unassailable lead. Making use of their fast break and superior fitness Shimna dominated the floor and ran out comfortable winners 35 – 16 to secure runners-up spot and the well deserved Silver Medals.
Squad: S.Brannigan, CJ.Hennessy, L, Hennessy, P.Hennessy, G.McBride, C.Keenan, N.Rogan, J.Crawford
Ladies – Basketball League
Meanwhile over on Court 2 the amalgamated teams from Antrim Borough SOC and Shimna Stars SOC were battling against Clones SOC and Ards Wizards SOC. This squad were also in search of the Silver Medal position.
Following a comprehensive win over Clones the amalgamated squad found it tough going against a rejuvenated Ards Wizards. Falling behind by eight points in the final quarter the team drew level with Wizards only to be defeated on the buzzer by another basket from Wizards.
This amalgamation proved very worthwhile for both Clubs and ensured that both sets off players got plenty of game time. Despite this defeat the Silver Medal position was achieved.
Thanks to the management teams from Antrim Borough SOC, Shimna Stars SOC and Special Olympics Ulster who facilitated the amalgamation.
Shimna Ladies: Tori Campbell, Michelle Coyne, Emma Clendinning, Orla McKervey, Michelle Crawford along with Grace,Sarah,Sara,Victoria and Faye from Antrim Borough SOC
Many thanks to the Family members and volunteers from Shimna Stars SOC who attended on the day, Jenny, John, Danny, Mark and Laurence. Thanks also to Newcastle Coach Hire who transported the team during the season.
Shimna Stars Special Olympics Club came home with another batch of Silver Medals following the final round of League games in the Special Olympics Ulster Basketball League held in Antrim Forum last Saturday.
Male – Division 1
Playing in what turned out to be a very competitive Division 1 Shimna Stars put on a magnificent performance against eventual league winners North West A. Such was the nature of the Shimna performance that North West for the first time ever were denied scoring opportunity after opportunity by a fit and determined Shimna defence.
Although North West emerged as victors 10 – 2 they were made to work for every score. Had Shimna been able to sink any of the scoring chances which just would not drop for them, then the roles may well have been reversed. Holding North West to this level was a magnificent achievement for the entire panel.
In the second game of the day Shimna Stars took on Ards Wizards. From the tip-off Shimna were in command and ran into an unassailable lead. Making use of their fast break and superior fitness Shimna dominated the floor and ran out comfortable winners 35 – 16 to secure runners-up spot and the well deserved Silver Medals.
Squad: S.Brannigan, CJ.Hennessy, L, Hennessy, P.Hennessy, G.McBride, C.Keenan, N.Rogan, J.Crawford
Ladies – Basketball League
Meanwhile over on Court 2 the amalgamated teams from Antrim Borough SOC and Shimna Stars SOC were battling against Clones SOC and Ards Wizards SOC. This squad were also in search of the Silver Medal position.
Following a comprehensive win over Clones the amalgamated squad found it tough going against a rejuvenated Ards Wizards. Falling behind by eight points in the final quarter the team drew level with Wizards only to be defeated on the buzzer by another basket from Wizards.
This amalgamation proved very worthwhile for both Clubs and ensured that both sets off players got plenty of game time. Despite this defeat the Silver Medal position was achieved.
Thanks to the management teams from Antrim Borough SOC, Shimna Stars SOC and Special Olympics Ulster who facilitated the amalgamation.
Shimna Ladies: Tori Campbell, Michelle Coyne, Emma Clendinning, Orla McKervey, Michelle Crawford along with Grace,Sarah,Sara,Victoria and Faye from Antrim Borough SOC
Many thanks to the Family members and volunteers from Shimna Stars SOC who attended on the day, Jenny, John, Danny, Mark and Laurence. Thanks also to Newcastle Coach Hire who transported the team during the season.
Ladies – Basketball League
Meanwhile over on Court 2 the amalgamated teams from Antrim Borough SOC and Shimna Stars Soc were battling against North West SOC and Ards Wizards SOC. The Ladies also had 1 win and 1 loss while displaying excellent teamwork despite never training as a squad. These results are a credit to all involved with the Ladies who have demonstrated great friendship and a willingness to work for each other. The amalgamated team will also now have the opportunity to take runners up in spot in League 1. This will be a magnificent achievement in their first season playing together. Shimna Ladies: Tori Campbell, Michelle Coyne, Emma Clendinning, Orla McKervey, Michelle Crawford |
Saturday 22nd April
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Special Olympics Ulster Basketball League – 2017
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Special Olympics Ulster Club Divisioning day.
Excellent performances all round. Saturday 12th November saw Shimna Stars compete for the first time this season when the Male Team participated in a Divisioning Day in Antrim Forum. Missing several key players and fielding some new squad members the team put in a note worthy performance against a strong Northwest SOC side and defeated newly promoted Ards Wizards SOC. Based on these performances and with a strong bench Shimna can look forward to another enjoyable season and continue to strive for honours in Division 1 of the Ulster League. Shimna squad: Sean Brannigan, Jordan Carville, CJ Hennessy, Liam Hennessy, Patrick Hennessy, Glenn McBride, Rory McMullan, Noel Wilson, David McCrum. |