The Special Olympics Ulster League Finals and Skills Day was held in Antrim Forum and the Shimna Stars were there to pick up the silver!
Following this success, local participants from the Shimna Stars Special Olympics Club also enjoyed a great end of season social event hosted at Newcastle Golf Centre with a barbecue prepared by the staff from Golf Links House and Face Painting by Marion Forbes from ‘Cool Kids’.
Shimna Stars spokesman Laurence McAlinden said: “Antrim Forum was once again the venue for the annual Individual Skills and League Finals Day for athletes participating in Basketball. Shimna Stars SOC had six athletes participating in the skills event while the men’s team played in the league final.
“There was a great buzz in the arena as the clubs were introduced to those present. Shimna Stars were represented in the opening ceremony by Sean Brannigan, opening ceremonies completed the day began for the various grades. A full morning and afternoon of skills produced results for all competing.
“Congratulations to our athletes who gained success in the skills:- Kit Gotto – Gold Emma Clendinning – Gold Martin Trimble – Silver Conor O’Hare – Silver Joshua Mallon – Silver Michelle Crawford – 4th Place Well done to everyone for the effort put in over recent weeks.
“ League Finals . Although guaranteed runners -up spot in the League, Shimna Stars still had much to play for in the final 2 league games. Despite a slow start against Coleraine Cougars, some words of wisdom and encouragement from coaches Mark and Laurence soon had Shimna back on track to produce some magnificent basketball which enthralled those present. Such was the Shimna dominance, with speed, movement and accurate passing that Cougars could not withstand the pressure as Shimna eased to a comfortable win 26 -7.
“Game 2 was a cagier affair between the top 2 teams in the League. Shimna put all the early pressure on Northwest SOC but failed on capitalise on their early scoring opportunities and eventually were made to pay the price as Northwest scored on the break to once again take the league title. As usual all the Shimna players showed great determination and a willingness to enjoy the games and with a little more luck and better pass selection they would have been a match for Northwest.
Final Score: Northwest SOC 26 – Shimna Stars SOC 4 Shimna Stars: Patrick Hennessy, Glenn McBride, Niall Rogan, Liam Hennessy, Peter Watts, Sean Brannigan, CJ Hennessy, Joseph Crawford, David McCrum The games were not without their lighter moments: when much to the amusement of the spectators and the opposition but to the consternation of their coaches several Shimna players decided to play into the wrong basket!!
A great day out was had by all. Congratulations and many thanks to the athletes, volunteers, family members and supporters who travelled on the day. Enjoy the summer break. The Special Olympics motto says it all:
‘LET ME WIN, BUT IF I CANNOT WIN, LET ME BE BRAVE IN THE ATTEMPT.’
