San Benito CISD Special Olympics athletes recently participated in the 2018 Special Olympics Texas Basketball Competition – “2nd Annual Katstrong Golden Hoops” – held at the Raymondville High School gymnasium.
Raymondville ISD and the Golden Hoops event hosts welcomed schools and students from Harlingen, La Feria, Lyford, Mercedes, Raymondville, Rio Hondo, and San Benito as well as day centers from throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Athletes received a numerical score for each of the spot shooting, 10-meter speed dribble, and target pass events; their total score determined their final place in the competition. Events were categorized by age group and gender.
To kick off the day of friendly and fun-filled competition, participants gathered in the gymnasium for a parade of teams and the lighting of the ceremonial torch. A victory dance was held after the conclusion of the basketball competition and the presentation of medals.
Following are the basketball skills competition results for San Benito athletes:
• San Benito High School: Rafael Bustos, Silver; Juan Garcia, 4th; Miranda Reyna, Silver; Isela Ramirez, Bronze; Angel Villagomez, Bronze; Billy Jo Vela, Gold; Dylan Flores, Gold; Desiree Venegas, Silver; Estefania Cerda, Silver; Frank Torres, Bronze; Janet Morales, Silver.
• San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy: Amairany Cortez, 4th; Uriel Gonzalez, Silver; Fernando Rodriguez, Bronze; Jermain Del Rio, Gold; Priscilla Gonzalez, Gold; Tristian Shafer, 4th; Rudy Segura, Gold; Melvin Manrique, Gold; Mario Flores, Gold; Daniel Alvarez, 4th.
• Berta Cabaza Middle School: Javen Alonso, Silver; Adrian Bravo, Bronze; Adrian Sanchez, Silver; Andy Gonzalez, Bronze; Ernesto Garcia, Bronze; Juliana Ramirez, Gold.
• Miller Jordan Middle School: Kaitlyn De La Garza, Silver; Isabella Ledezma, Silver; Carlos Martinez, Gold; Samuel Acosta, Bronze.
• San Benito Riverside Middle School: Nathaniel Martinez, Silver.
• Dr. C.M. Cash Elementary: Nathan Villafranco, Silver.
• Dr. Raul Garza Jr. Elementary: Joseph Rosas, Bronze; Yandel Rosenbaum, 4th; Pablo Plascencia, Silver.
• La Encantada Elementary: Micol Aguirre, Gold.
• La Paloma Elementary: Christina Tamez, Bronze; Sebastian Espinoza, Silver; Anthony Barrera, Gold.
• Landrum Elementary: Aiden Deleon, Gold; Anthony Romero, Gold; Eugenio Gonzalez, Gold; Gael Constante, Gold; Aaron Vasquez, Gold.
• Sullivan Elementary: Joe Louis Rodriguez, Gold; Shane Sanchez, Silver.
“Our student athletes had been practicing and improving their skills throughout the basketball season. They showed amazing dedication and worked diligently in preparing for this competition,” said Rick Tamez, Special Olympics/Adaptive Physical Education Coordinator.
The coaching staff that proudly accompanied the athletes to the basketball competition included Tamez and coaches Davis Ezell, Jesus Zuñiga, Ofelia Owens, Maria Cisneros, Cindy Puente, Belinda Perez, Ruben Reza, Omar Carvajal, and Mel Sosa.
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.
