Gold show from Shimna Stars at basketball Ulster Skills finals

Gold show from Shimna Stars at basketball Ulster Skills finals

24 April 2019

SHIMNA Stars is celebrating a mammoth win after clinching four gold medals and four silver at the recent Basketball Special Olympics Ulster Skills final.

The success is one of the club’s biggest highlights in its 12-year history with silver medalist, Aodhan McConnell (18), from Castlewellan — who is training to become a patisserie chef — one of 12 competitors who took part in the final at the Antrim Forum. 

He said he joined the team just five months ago and is really enjoying the craic so far. 

Aodhan continued: “I play on the wings and think we preformed so well because we train hard and have shown commitment. We meet once a week and our manager, Laurence McAlinden, puts us through a tough training schedule.

“I have developed a lot as a player and our success wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for his dedication. I know I have a shiny new silver medal to show off, but I made a lot of good friends and have gained confidence too. The medal means a lot to me.”

Shimna Stars competed against the cream of basketball players from Ards to Strabane in the recent tournament.

Looking ahead to next year, coach McAlinden hopes to the team will take part in the league for the first time. 

“We are overwhelmed at ending the season on a high,” he said. “All 12 athletes excelled in their individual grades coming away with four gold, four silver, two bronze. 

“It was a brilliant achievement by the athletes, some who were competing for the first time and it speaks volumes for the amount of work undertaken by them over recent weeks.

“I am extremely proud of their efforts. Our team now has eight girls and we are looking at having an all-girls’ team next season which will be the first time we’ve been able to do that in the club’s history.”

Laurence extended thanks to Special Olympics Ulster who co-ordinated the event and to the volunteers from Shimna Stars who accompanied the athletes to the event, Anne, Kay, Elaine, Lucy, Ashleigh and Danny. 

He continued: “Thanks also to the parents and relatives who attended on the day for their valued support. We recently had a collection at the Fresh Food Centre in Castlewellan and raised just over £920 for club funds. A massive thanks to everyone who donated so generously. 

“Thanks also to the store’s management team which was so accommodating and the collectors who gave freely of their time. It is very much appreciated by us all.”

The local club is one of 70 Special Olympics clubs in Northern Ireland and is currently based at Shimna Integrated College in the resort, 

with up to 30 athletes training each Tuesday evening, along with up to 20 volunteers who freely offer their time.

The club has confirmed that Kit Gotto has recently retired from competition. 

Described as a a valued member of Shimna Stars for over 10 years, Kit has represented the club at various events and supported the athletes on many occasions.

Everyone at the club extended its ?gratitude to Kit for his years of dedication and support and wish him a happy retirement.

Anyone interested in becoming an athlete or a volunteer is asked to in to Shimna College any Tuesday from 6.30pm and speak to one of the club members.