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Athletes Awarded at Annual Banquet
Coach Rita Arthur, left, awards a trophy to Bob Havens, right, during the Scioto County Special Olympics Banquet, June 1 at the SOMC Friends Center.

PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (June 8, 2017) – Area athletes were honored during the Scioto County Special Olympics Banquet, June 1, at the Southern Ohio Medical Center Friends Center, in Portsmouth, Ohio.

The banquet recognizes student and adult athletes who participate in Special Olympics basketball, track and field, bowling, volleyball, and golf throughout the season.

“Special Olympics is such a wonderful thing for us at the County Board of DD,” Coach Rita Arthur said. “We go all year and compete, first with basketball and then bowling, track and field, and golfing. I have folks that practice twice a week for each event that we go to participate in, and they’re really excited. The most joy is when one of them crosses the line and they put that medal around their neck for something they’ve accomplished and worked hard for – that’s the most thrilling part.”

At the end of the season, Special Olympics athletes are recognized during an annual sports banquet, alongside their family, friends, and fans. More than 100 attended this year’s awards banquet, where athletes were each awarded a participation trophy. Additionally, awards were given to the Student Player of the Year Dakota White, Adult Player of the Year Alison Schmidt, and Volunteer of the Year Janet Goddard.

“That’s really exciting for them, because it’s the end of the season and they’ve accomplished something for their hard work and dedication,” Arthur said.

Arthur will travel with five athletes to participate in the Ohio Special Olympics Summer Games, June 23-25, at The Ohio State University, in Columbus, Ohio. This is the first time in nearly 15 years Scioto County Special Olympics will attend the statewide event.

Scioto County Special Olympics is supported through donations and fundraisers such as a fall Walk-a-Thon fundraiser in Tracy Park and the spring Hardwood Heroes celebrity basketball game at Shawnee State University.

“The Scioto County Board of Developmental Disabilities is proud to support the Special Olympics program. The program has shown to be life enhancing for both the athletes and their loved ones, and offers endless opportunities for community involvement,” said Julie Monroe, Scioto County Board of DD superintendent.

For information about the Scioto County Board of Developmental Disabilities, visit online at www.sciotocountydd.org, of follow on Facebook and Twitter.