About three dozen athletetes from Hermiston/Pendleton Local Program #510 for Special Olympics participated in a variety of basketball competitions March 18 in the Beaverton area.

The 5 v. 5 team coached by Mark Smalley, Jason Bartman and Midge Harris earned gold. The team included Sean Boyd, Jason Cargill, Andrea Eiden, Jose-Angel Ramos, Andi Sue Reid, Mike Saguraro, Rob Stewart, Timothy Tichy and Justin Winter. Also earning a gold medal was the Currents, a 3 v. 3 team of Kristy Barnhill, Jennifer Williams, Marsha Ochoa, Camron Goldie and Willie Bowling.

Earning bronze medals were the Lightning, coached by Kris Neustel and Jennifer Reed, and Thunder, coached by Martie McQuain and Kristi Smalley. Lightening team members include Jeremy Dickens, Chrisie Moore, Steven Reed, Jasiel Tostado and Christina Williams; and the Thunder includes Jonathan Wilson, Daniel Tucker, Jilli Smalley, Cassidy McQuain and Jeff McEachran.

Earning a fourth place finish and a sportsmanship award were the Volts, including McKayla Thompson, Valeria Mendez, Vivian McEachran, Kari Hall, John Bryant — under the leadership of coaches Lindy Thompson and Stu Bance.

Rounding out the competition were the six members of the Individual Skills Competition team, the Circuits, who are coached by Remick Arey, Ray Trotter and Arta Jones. Jolynn Smutz and Mary Ann Wright earned gold medals; Lyall Arey and Mary Jones received silvers, Misty Larsen garnered a bronze and Jerry Hansen placed fourth

Special Olympics provides year-around training and athletic competitions for people of all ages with intellectual disabilities. There is no charge to participate.

Practice for the summer sports season, which includes athletics (track and field events), bocce` and golf, begins in April. If interested in participating, call Angela Scheider at 541-314-0166.

For more team photos visit www.hermistonherald.com.