By SBCISD Staff
San Benito Schools Special Olympics athletes recently participated in the Special Olympics Texas Basketball Competition – “The 4th Annual Golden Hoops” – held recently at La Feria High School.
La Feria ISD and the Golden Hoops event hosts welcomed students from school districts throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
The event allowed Special Olympics athletes to compete in basketball individual skills events such as spot shooting, 10-meter speed dribble, and target passing.
Athletes representing San Benito Schools walked away with a total of 39 individual awards – including 13 Gold, 12 Silver, and 6 bronze medals.
Following are the basketball skills competition results for San Benito athletes:
- Berta Cabaza Middle School: Jessabell Cuevas, Silver; Nathan Cuellar, Bronze; Aaron Vasquez, Bronze; Eugenio Gonzalez, 4th place.
- Sullivan Environmental Science Academy: Alexis Martinez, 5th place.
- Raul Garza, Jr. STEAM Academy: Yandel Rosenbaum, Gold; Rafael Walle, Silver.
- Miller Jordan Middle School: Jadon Garza, Silver; Joe Louis Rodriguez, Silver; Star Escalante, 4th place.
- La Paloma Elementary: David Mata, Gold; Robert Rodriguez, Silver; Brandon Buitron, 4th place; Aiden Rodriguez, 5th place.
- Riverside Middle School: Anthony Barrera, Gold; Christina Tamez, Gold; Jeremiah Vasquez, Gold; Sebastian Espinoza, Silver; Victor Rodriguez, Jr., 6th place.
- San Benito High School: Amairany Cortez, Gold; Melvin Manrique, Gold; Maryluz Martinez, Gold; Isela Ramirez, Gold; Adrian Sanchez, Gold; Damian Vasquez, Gold; Kaitlyn De La Garza, Gold; Andy Gonzalez, Gold; Mario Flores, Silver; Janet Morales, Silver; Crystal Parreno, Silver; Rudy Segura, Silver; Billy Jo Vela, Silver; Javen Alonso, Silver; Daniel Alvarez, Bronze; Rafael Bustos, Bronze; Ernesto Garcia, Bronze; Uriel Gonzalez, Bronze; Jayson Rodriguez, 4th place; Guadalupe Torres, 4th place.
“Congratulations to our dedicated athletes who performed their best skills in the sport of basketball. They are an outstanding group of students, and their performance is always commendable,” said Special Olympics/Adaptive Physical Education Coordinator Rick Tamez.
Tamez also expressed his appreciation for the team of coaches that work with the students.
Special Services Director Ernesto Manriquez expressed his excitement for the athletes and his gratitude for his coaching staff.
“Our students did exceptionally well, and I am thankful for the coaches. Without everyone’s hard work and dedication, these victories would not be possible,” said Manriquez.
Committed to the Special Olympics motto, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,” the local Special Olympics Program empowers special education students to become physically fit, productive, and respected members of society through sports training and competition.
For additional information on the school district’s Special Olympics program and initiatives, contact Tamez at (956) 361-6221.
