Mike ‘The Mean Machine’ and Shane ‘Everready Bunny’ Take on the Basketball
May 18, 2010 by deb · Leave a Comment
Shane (13) and Mike(9) with their team
Michael ‘The Mean Machine’ Karseboom and Shane ‘Everready Bunny’ Doowage had the privilege of participating in their first Special Olympic National Games as members of the awesome NSW mixed basketball team. These enthusiastic athletes played with enjoyment, tenacity and sportsmanship in true Special Olympic spirit, never giving up against more experienced teams.
Eventually their dedication was rewarded as they won their last game of the tournament with amazing teamwork and supportive coaches cheering them on from the sideline. The athletes deservedly felt like champions and their elation at winning was unbelievable.
The team was placed sixth and Mike was the highest goal scorer for almost every match.
But winning isn’t everything. When Mike was asked what was the best part of his week he answered that it was “…meeting Aaron my coach, making so many new friends and having the most fun I have ever had!!”
Our tallest SOSUNS athlete, Jackson Fennell, was a member of the open men’s team. This team rewarded loyal supporters with a breathtakingly close game in the bronze medal playoff match against Queensland. With minutes to go NSW were 10 points up but Queensland were not finished yet and played well to win by 2 points. It was an exciting match talked about right through the athlete camp.
Basketballers bounce through with medals galore!
March 2, 2010 by deb · Leave a Comment
SOSUNS recently entered three teams comprising twenty athletes in total into the SOSUNS regional basketball competition. Run by the wonderful Carla, Anthea and volunteers, the carnival was a great success with ten teams competing. As well as Upper North Shore, athletes travelled from Port Macquarie, Central Coast, Sydney East and Roselands.
SOSUNS Challenge C team had a fantastic time competing at their first carnival and came away with a well deserved bronze medal. Challenge A/B won silver after playing much more experience Port Macquarie team in the playoffs. SOSUNS C grade team also won silver.
Athletes were justifiably very proud of the medals that they won. Thank you to all of the volunteers who made this carnival possible and to Thornleigh Brickpit for hosting.
Basketballers Win Special Olympic Gold
March 24, 2009 by deb · Leave a Comment
The atmosphere was electric with excitement and anticipation as the SOSUNS basketball team began their campaign for gold at the recent State Basketball Championships held in Newcastle. Held over two days the team played and won all three of their round matches on Saturday.
SOSUNS Basketballers Win Gold
March 14, 2009 by deb · Leave a Comment
SOSUNS basketball team wowed the crowd at the recent State Basketball Championships held in Newcastle. On Saturday the team of 11 athletes, some of whom have only recently started training and had never actually played a game before, won all of their matches to proceed to the grand final on Sunday.
With great excitement and lots of support from family and friends including their greatest fan Chloe the dog, the athletes set aside nerves to win 14 - 11.
Sophie Wins Young Achiever Award
March 3, 2009 by deb · Leave a Comment
Sophie Ferguson was “nervous” and “proud” as she walked on to the stage to collect the Hornsby Advocate’s inaugural Young Achiever award. Sophie was nominated by a family friend to be the Advocate’s sports star of the week after wining two gold medals and a silver medal for swimming and a bronze medal for basketball at the Special Olympics National Youth games held in Canberra last year.
