First Responders Play Special Olympics Athletes at MCBDD “Spirit Night” Event

Information provided, Photo at bottom left by Tall James
MIAMI COUNTY - The Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) hosted its annual Spirit Night to finish the Miami County Special Olympics winter sports seasons on Tuesday, March 11.

   At Spirit Night, several Miami County First Responders played against Miami County Special Olympics Division 4 and Division 5 players in a friendly game of basketball. At halftime, Miami County Special Olympics honored all winter sports athletes including the swim team, cheerleaders, both basketball teams, as well as the season’s coaches and other volunteers.

 

   “This end-of-season celebration was a great way to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month while ending our Miami County Special Olympics winter sports season,” said MCBDD Superintendent Brian Green. “We are grateful so many first responders volunteered their time to play our basketball teams and make the end of the season fun and memorable.”

 

   First responders who participated in the game include Tony Smith and Phil Osting from Tipp City Police Department; Jake Coverstone and Cameron Haller from Tipp City Fire Department; Chris Yingst, Mike Casey, Jared Hite and Jackson Heath from Piqua Police Department; and Jeremy Bubeck, Tabitha Thompson, Brian Lyons, Wes Kilby, Trae Honeycutt and Chase Underwood from Miami County Sheriff's Office.

   Volunteer coaches who were honored at the event were swim coaches Hannah Ryan and Mary Ivan; cheer coach Diane Cerbus; basketball coaches Dalton Logan, Alex Darner and Jacklyn Vietor; basketball referees Randy Harvey and Randy Buroker and basketball scorekeeper Donovan Richard.

   At halftime, Miami County Special Olympics representatives also recognized Charlene Wolfe and the West Milton VFW for their ongoing support, Culver's in Troy for donating custard for the post-game party, Tall James Photography for donating player photos, team photos and action shots from the game, and Ella Batton for singing the National Anthem.

 

   Miami County Special Olympics is a program of the Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities. It is an affiliate of Special Olympics Ohio and the internationally recognized Special Olympics organization. Miami County Special Olympics offers a wide variety of year-round individual and team sports for anyone with an intellectual disability, ages eight and older. Sports included are basketball, bowling, softball, volleyball, cheerleading, powerlifting, golf and swimming.

 

   Each program promotes athletes' emotional, physical and social health and instills a strong work-ethic and sense of teamwork. Through successful experiences, athletes build confidence and a positive self-image which carries over into the classroom, jobs and community. For more information about Miami County Special Olympics or how to volunteer, visit miamicountydd.org or call (937) 440-3000.