(MIAMI COUNTY, OH–) The Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) hosted its annual Spirit Night to finish the Miami County Special Olympics winter sports seasons on Tuesday, March 11.

At Spirit Night, several Miami County First Responders played against Miami County Special Olympics Division 4 and Division 5 players in a friendly game of basketball. At halftime, Miami County Special Olympics honored all winter sports athletes including the swim team, cheerleaders, both basketball teams, as well as the season’s coaches and other volunteers.

“This end-of-season celebration was a great way to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month while ending our Miami County Special Olympics winter sports season,” said MCBDD Superintendent Brian Green. “We are grateful so many first responders volunteered their time to play our basketball teams and make the end of the season fun and memorable.”

First responders who participated in the game include:

• Tony Smith and Phil Osting – Tipp City Police Department
• Jake Coverstone and Cameron Haller – Tipp City Fire Department
• Chris Yingst, Mike Casey, Jared Hite, and Jackson Heath – Piqua Police Department
• Jeremy Bubeck, Tabitha Thompson, Brian Lyons, Wes Kilby, Trae Honeycutt, and Chase Underwood – Miami County Sheriff’s Office

Volunteer coaches honored at the event:

• Swim Coaches: Hannah Ryan and Mary Ivan
• Cheer Coach: Diane Cerbus
• Basketball Coaches: Dalton Logan, Alex Darner, and Jacklyn Vietor
• Basketball Referees: Randy Harvey and Randy Buroker
• Basketball Scorekeeper: Donovan Richard

At halftime, Miami County Special Olympics also recognized:

• Charlene Wolfe and the West Milton VFW – for ongoing support
• Culver’s in Troy – for donating custard for the post-game party
• Tall James Photography – for donating player photos, team photos, and action shots
• Ella Batton – for singing the National Anthem

Miami County Special Olympics is a program of the Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities. It is an affiliate of Special Olympics Ohio and the internationally recognized Special Olympics organization.

Miami County Special Olympics offers a wide variety of year-round individual and team sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities, ages eight and older. Sports include basketball, bowling, softball, volleyball, cheerleading, powerlifting, golf, and swimming.

Each program promotes athletes’ emotional, physical, and social health while instilling a strong work ethic and sense of teamwork. Through successful experiences, athletes build confidence and a positive self-image, which carries over into the classroom, jobs, and the community.

For more information about Miami County Special Olympics or how to volunteer, visit miamicountydd.org or call (937) 440-3000.

1625 Troy Sidney Rd. | Troy, OH 45373