Ards Wizards Social Evening.
Shimna Stars SOC athletes and volunteers recently enjoyed a great social evening with fellow Special Olympics Club Ards Wizards at their Bangor base.
The evening consisted of basketball games for both the male and female teams from both clubs followed by refreshments provided by the hosts Ards Wizards. Also present were the two Wizards athletes selected to represent Ireland at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi.
Spokesperson for the Shimna Stars, Laurence McAlinden, said: “We wish them every success and best wishes to them and their team mates from all at Shimna Stars SOC.
“Despite not competing in the basketball league this season, Shimna Stars have been able to regroup and on the night were able to field two teams: one female team consisting of six players and one male team consisting of 11 players, thereby introducing some of the athletes to their first taste of team basketball.
“And judging by the performances on the night all the athletes have settled in very quickly to the team concept and displayed magnificent skills, determination and the ability to work for and support their team mates.
“Many thanks to Ards Wizards for hosting the evening and also to the Shimna supporters Martin, Kit, David, volunteers, Lucy, Sarah, Claire and Laurence who travelled with the squads.”
(Shimna Ladies Squad: Emma Clendinning, Michelle Coyne, Michelle Crawford, Orla McKervey, Rachael Breen, Tori Campbell
Shimna Male Squad: Aódhan McConnell, CJ Hennessy ,Daniel Ardies, Jamie Dinsdale, Kris Nicholl, Liam Hennessy, Niall Campbell, Patrick Hennessy, Rory McMullan, Sean Brannigan, Niall Rogan).
 Newcastle Lions Club Presentation.
“Many thanks to the members of Newcastle Lions Club who presented a cheque £200 to Club Manager Danny Hardy recently and thanks to all who contributed to this generous donation. Members of the Lions Club are in the process of arranging a charity game with Shimna Stars in the near future. We look forward to this with anticipation”, said Laurence McAlinden.
Special Olympics Ulster – Skills Finals.
A substantial number of Shimna Stars athletes have entered the skills competition to be held in April. When all entries have been compiled, Special Olympics Ulster will issue final grading and instructions for the event.
