GORHAM — The Snowdogs’ White Team won the Div. II gold medal at the statewide double-elimination Special Olympics basketball tournament, held at the University of Southern Maine over the weekend.
The Snowdogs’ Blue Team captured the bronze in Div. I.
“I was so proud of the Snowdogs for the way they handled themselves on and off the basketball court,” said second-year coach Brian Hamel. “The memories from this weekend will be forever in my heart.”
The White team went undefeated at 4-0 to take top honors. The Blue squad lost its opener, but proceeded to win three in a row before losing in a close game in the semifinals to end up in third place.
Hamel estimated that the teams had 75 fans supporting them in the USM gymnasium for the games. In addition, he was thankful for the financial support from individuals and businesses within the community, including the anonymous donation of reversible jerseys that team members proudly wore during their games.
He noted that one of the player’s parents made a large banner with the words “Aroostook Snowdogs” on the front and the teams busted through it each time they ran onto the court for their games.
“This tournament was the culmination of a season that began on December 1,” Hamel said. “The Snowdogs committed themselves to improving their basketball skills, being great teammates to each other, being respectful of all and having great sportsmanship, being accountable for their own actions, and striving to be the best they can be on the basketball court and in their personal lives.
“As I witnessed them during the tournament, they succeeded on all of these fronts and I am so proud to know them and be a part of their lives,” Hamel added. “They are a first-class act for sure.”
In addition to the games, the weekend included a two-night stay at a hotel, a pizza party, bowling, swimming and visits to three restaurants.
He said the weekend was capped off when the team got a police escort back into Presque Isle Sunday night.
“The smiles on each and every face of the Special Olympians was priceless,” Hamel said.
Hamel said the Snowdogs are wearing their medals proudly, but for him, their positive experiences are more than about wins and losses.
“They are winners in life and they feel good about themselves and others respect them for who they are,” he added. “That’s what makes this such a great community.”
