Special Olympics team has proud history
Snow Dogs cap off spectacular year of basketball
To the editor:
I’m positive that Michael Puleo, the first official basketball coach for our Special Olympics basketball team, would be very proud of the legacy that has taken place since he formed this team. It has been a spectacular year for the Snow Dogs, the team that represents Aroostook County in the Special Olympics Basketball Program.
The Snow Dogs have had a great history with coach Brad Stevens and coach Steve DeMaio, and now they’re under the leadership of coach Brian Hamel, with assistant coaches Sheila, Sally and Terry. The Special Olympics Basketball Program has grown over the years, and the team and coaches are very proud of their accomplishments.
The Snow Dogs have received a lot of positive publicity and their team is coming together very nicely. This year, they’ve had exhibitions with the Presque Isle High School boys and girls varsity teams, a first-time event for the Snow Dogs. These exhibitions were truly proud moments in the history of Special Olympics basketball in Aroostook County, with crowds in the bleachers, enthusiasm on the court, and the mutual respect of the players from each team.
Two weeks ago, over 160 athletes from Aroostook County participated in our Basketball Skills Tournament at Gentile Hall at UMPI. The Caribou High School boys varsity team took on the Snow Dogs, and again, this was an absolutely wonderful event. We shouldn’t forget that the Easton Varsity Club was there that day to volunteer their time and effort. This couldn’t have taken place, however, if coaches from the Presque Isle and Caribou high schools were not supporters of the Special Olympics Basketball Program. We are fortunate in Aroostook County to have wonderful coaches and athletes who understand what athletics is all about.
But, I think that it all came together last Saturday at the PIHS boys and girls varsity game vs. John Bapst High School, when the coaching staff invited the Snow Dogs to be their guests at this game. The Snow Dogs showed up in force and were given special seating so they could have a good view of the game. Sitting with the Snow Dogs was coach Hamel proudly associating with his team. During the girls’ game, and prior to the start of the boys’ game, the PIHS players came up to “high-5” and shake hands with the Snow Dogs. The Snow Dogs proudly interacted with the boys’ team, and when the announcement came that the Snow Dogs were the guests of the coaches and players of both varsity teams, it resulted in a standing ovation that lasted for over two minutes. What a thrill. What mutual respect.
Thank you to all those who made it happen.
Stephen D. Richard, member
Special Olympics Area Management Team
