Berkeley County Special Olympics athletes proud of accomplishments | Journal-news

Berkeley County Special Olympics athletes proud of accomplishments | Journal-news


MARTINSBURG — The Berkeley County Special Olympics team took more than 20 athletes to the Special Olympics State Basketball & Cheerleading Tournament in Morgantown in March, and many brought home medals.

According to the Berkeley County Special Olympics coach Ginnie Molnar, the team returned from the competition with double gold medals in cheerleading and dance, and nine of the individual skills and basketball players returned with medals as well.

“It is an honor and a privilege to volunteer for the Berkeley County Special Olympics,” said Matt Bender, another Berkeley County Special Olympics coach. “It brings me great joy to see the athletes succeed on the court. They worked really hard.”

Molnar said the competition means a lot to the athletes that participate, as well.

“I love being a point guard and shooting. I’m happy I scored lots of points for my team,” said Kyle Bender, a Berkeley County Special Olympics basketball player.

Parent Chris Butler also believes the the Special Olympics is important for the local athletes.

“Watching the sparkle in my boys’ eyes and the big smiles on their faces is what it’s all about,” Butler said. “(The athletes) are developing their athletic skills, building friendships and enjoying every minute of their Olympic experiences.”

The goal of the Special Olympics of West Virginia is to “bring all persons who are mentally challenged into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected and given a chance to become useful and productive citizens.”

The Berkeley County Special Olympics team included:

The basketball team: Peggy Molnar, Paula Barrett, John Ware, Kyle Bender, Austin Anders, Lee Jones, Hunter Jones, Lane Fortney, Gene Henderick, Eli Harless and Nick Shipley.

Cheerleaders: Samantha Fisher, Tiffany Fowler, Madison Anders, Amanda Gano, Ashley Harford, Yetta Carter, and Kendle Parker.

Individual skills players: Christian Butler, Nathan Butler, Bennett Robinson, Derrelle Johnson, Tabitha Kief, Ian Virts, Eric Adams and Ronnie Brown.

Coaches: Ginnie Molnar, Matt Bender, Robbie Jones, Becky Fowler, Fred Fowler, Joanna Cole, Ginny Harford, Debbie LeFevre, and Lorraine Ellzey.



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