Rowan County was represented by three teams, along with coaches and volunteers, at the Special Olympics of North Carolina Western Basketball Tournament in Charlotte on March 3.
The athletes earned respect for themselves, their teammates, other teams, coaches, officials and those watching.
The Rowan Bulldogs and the Rowan Rampage each got a bronze medal in the 3 on 3 competition.
The Bulldogs are Sky Drye, Cedric Fortune, Eve McClellan, Jaelan Mollinedo and Harold Allison.
The Rampage are Jackie Allison, Kelly Gay, Rick R. Miller, Aaron M. Stamper and Jeffrey Allison.
In the 5 on 5 competition, the Rowan Intimidators team of Adam Allison, Bobby Allison, Chris Angle, Edward Fortune, Kierre Gillespie, Jason Mercado, Benjamin Smith and Rick Torrence won a silver medal for second place.
Rowan County Special Olympics will host a banquet March 31 at High Rock Community Church on Jake Alexander Boulevard from noon-2 p.m. The Floyd Jones Most Valuable Player Award will be presented. Jones was a Special Olympics athlete who passed away a few years ago, and Jones’ family will present the award, which was voted on by other athletes.
Volleyball practice begins March 21. Athletes, coaches and volunteers are needed.
The Special Olympics Track and Field Spring Games will be held at West Rowan High School on April 24.
Rowan County Special Olympics seeks sponsors, coaches and volunteers. Contact Jenny Buchanan, Special Olympics coordinator, at 704-857-7011 or by emailing jbuchanan@rowanymca.org