Friendship Games awards more than 160 medals

More than 160 medals were awarded to basketball teams that participated in the ninth annual Special Olympics Friendship Games Saturday, March 7, at Strasburg-Franklin Schools.

Richelle Lefler, coordinator, welcomed participants.

“We believe in unified sports. I want to remind people about friendship, sportsmanship, teamwork and complete bravery and courage,” Lefler said. “It is how we play the game. Have fun and play the game.”

Lefler said three-on-three games were played in the middle school gym, while five-member teams competed in the high school gym. She thanked Gary Spinell, Strasburg athletic director, and Strasburg-Franklin Local School for hosting the games.

Rebekah Rothel and Chelsea Lefler sang the national anthem to open the event.

About 150 athletes from 12 counties attended. More than 200 awards were presented, with the Tuscarawas County Rockets receiving 13 awards. Twenty athletes received all-tournament awards, and 12 three-on-three team trophies were presented.

Special awards also were presented to individuals and groups:

— Spirit of Tuscarawas County — Strasburg-Franklin Schools and Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools

— Rising Leader — Lexi Miller and Rebekah Rothel

— Honorary Rocket — The Ritenour family, Scott Gezzer and Laurie Gibbs

— Heart of a Champion — Allison Halsey and Jason Murray

— Rockets Teamwork — Kenneth Blair, Brandon Hahn and Carrie Cabeen

— Spirit of Generosity — Alan and Holly Metzcar, Rodney, Deb and Craig Gordon

— Help Us Shine — Robert Reidl and Angie Robinson

— Dream Big Award — Lyla Witts, Matthew Medley, J’Marea Sterns and Heidi Miller

— Community Partnership — Newcomerstown Biddy Basketball, Shelley Dunlap, New Philadelphia Schools and Dee Dee Weber of the Towpath Trail YMCA