PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — One hundred and three athletes representing schools and agencies throughout Aroostook County gathered at Gentile Hall on the University of Maine at Presque Isle campus Wednesday, Jan. 16, for the annual Special Olympics Basketball Event.
“It was a great day,” said Carl Michaud, chief operating officer of the Central Aroostook Association and director of the event. “It is a great community event and it creates and promotes lifelong friendships between the athletes and the high school volunteers and coaches.”
Numerous volunteers, including varsity basketball teams from Caribou and Presque Isle, the Easton High School Varsity Club and law enforcement officers, also were involved to help out as coaches and referees during the 5-on-5 basketball games which highlighted the morning and the awards ceremony that followed.
Cecilia Morin, a junior at Easton High School and one of the volunteers, said the event is one she and her schoolmates enjoy every year.
“You feel good doing it and I’m having an amazing time,” Morin said. “It’s fun because I play basketball and they play basketball and it’s fun to help them out doing it.”
Jonah Hudson, a senior at Presque Isle High School, said being involved as a volunteer is a rewarding experience.
Roberta Johnson, left, and Jon Robertson grapple for the ball during a 5-on-5 game at the Special Olympics Basketball Event held Wednesday, Jan. 16, at the University of Maine at Presque lsle’s Gentile Hall.
(Kevin Sjoberg)
“It puts things in perspective being around these people that love the game like we do and may not get the same opportunities,” Hudson said. “It’s fun to get out in the community and nice to see people having fun with the game of basketball.”
Chad McAdam is one of the Special Olympians who had a successful day on the basketball courts, putting in several baskets for his team during the 5-on-5 games. He also plays for the Aroostook Snowdogs Special Olympic basketball team which practices throughout the winter in advance of the state tournament in southern Maine in March.
“It’s fun for me,” McAdam said. “I like it so much and it makes me happy to come here and play.”
Presque Isle High School National Honor Society students picked student Vanessa Haines to receive the MMG Special Olympics Sportsmanship Award, presented to the individual who best exemplifies sportsmanship and fair play.
The Caribou girls’ varsity basketball team played an exhibition game against the Snowdogs to cap off the morning.
Special Olympians represented Presque Isle High School and Wisdom Middle/High School in St. Agatha, as well as the Caribou Life Skills Program, Central Aroostook Association’s Adult Day Program and Opportunity Training Center, St. John Valley Associates in Madawaska, Personal Services of Aroostook, Northern Maine General in Eagle Lake, Adult Multiple Alternative Center in Caribou, and Community Living Association in Houlton.
Michaud shared a story on why this is a worthwhile event for everyone involved.
“I actually had a grandmother of Brooke Moir, a Caribou girls varsity player, contact me about the day,” Michaud said. “It was Brooke’s first time volunteering for the basketball event and when she got home, she reached out to her grandmother and stated that ‘It was one of the best days of my life.’ That’s good stuff.”
