Friendship Games held at Strasburg Franklin Schools
Brandon Hahn, left, dressed as Conrad Cougar, and Aaron Scott, volunteer, are best friends and pal around at the Friendship Games. They also bowl on a league together.
More than 170 medals were awarded to basketball teams that participated in the eighth annual Special Olympics Friendship Games at Strasburg Franklin Schools Saturday, March 29.
Coordinator Richelle Lefler gave the welcome. Rebekah Rothel and Chelsea Lefler sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” to open the games.
The day began with two Division V games, one held in the high school gym and another in the middle school gym. A total of four different divisions participated in the day’s activities. The day concluded with a Div. I Unified game. Each team member received a medal at the conclusion of their game. The medals were distributed by the cheerleaders.
Twelve Rocket Awards were presented to individuals and groups:
—Spirit of Tuscarawas County, Garaway Local Schools: Presented to local schools that show immense spirit at one or more home basketball games. The school hosted a basketball game, and the gym was full with students and fans. Also, one of the Rocket athletes, for more than 20 years, has been a member of the football team’s coaching staff.
—Rising Leader Award, Kenny Blair: Comes from the Cuyahoga Rockets and has helped the athletes be their best. Last year he helped lead the team to come from behind and win in a Div. I/II game.
—Rising Leader Award, Matthew Medley: A true leader in both skills and character. He helps organize events, offers rides, shows up early and stays late, helps fellow Rockets feel heard, and does anything else that needs to be done. He wanted to honor the memory of the Rockets late coach Frittz McGinnis.
—Honorary Rocket Award, Gary Spinell, athletic director at Strasburg: He cheers for the team and serves, encourages and supports the Rockets. His depth of character is what shines most brightly to the group.
—Spirit of Generosity, ProVia: Employs several of the athletes, coaches and volunteers. The company has donated more than $10,000 to the Rockets. Other employees have shown up week after week to help with the team.
—Community Partner Award, Bradley and Alyson Ritenour, son Bradlee, and Dover Moose 707: This family has embraced the Rockets as their own. They have partnered with the group to provide more for the athletes in Tuscarawas County and beyond. Dover Moose has given support and partnership to the Rockets.
—Heart of a Champion Award, Nathan Gezzer: Listens to his coaches and is an amazing athlete. He gives his all each and every time. With the support of his parents, he is learning how to do that more and more. He never quits and encourages his teammates.
—Heart of a Champion Award, Nate Kamban: Has competed with the swim team at regionals and has played some basketball games, announces at games, and showed his dance moves at the track invitational. He has a strong faith and demonstrates his strength in leading the county.
—Help Us Shine Award, Yolanda Ramos of Lorain Murray Ridge Ladies and Gentlemen: Found purpose in making the athletes dreams come true.
—Help Us Shine Award, Alan and Holly Metzcar: Volunteer hours of their time and serve in whatever capacity they can. They listen to family or caregivers, raise funds and help make the Rockets shine.
—Overcoming Adversity Award, Bobby Reidl: Has been accepted to the Special Olympics USA Leadership Council. He dreams big for his home program and athletes across Ohio. He is from Lake County Special Olympics.
—Overcoming Adversity Award, Rebekah Rothel: Faced heartaches, disappointments, broken promises and a broken foot. She did not want to leave her cheer team down and has attended all the events. The cheer team captured their fourth gold medal in succession at the Winter Games.