Jefferson County Special Olympics athletes bring home medals - Martinsburg Journal

March 20, 2019 at 12:07PM

CHARLES TOWN – Competition, athleticism, fitness and friendship came together during the Special Olympics State Basketball & Cheerleading Tournament over the weekend.

After a good time and tough competition, three local Jefferson County athletes returned home with medals and memories.

Gabriella Bautista, 17, won a gold medal in her basketball division; Ethan Moxley, 16, and Rebecca Morgan, 21, both returned to Jefferson County with silver medals from their basketball divisions.

For Bautista, the best part of the competition was shooting the basketball and making shots.

"I made five shots," Bautista said.

Bautista was also excited to celebrate her 17th birthday over the weekend during the competition. She said her family took her to an Olive Garden restaurant to celebrate her gold medal and her birthday, which made the weekend all the more special.

Morgan also enjoyed shooting baskets and winning a medal. She said her dad taught her everything she knows about basketball and competition. Morgan said making new friends at the competition was a highlight as well.

Moxley, the youngest of the Jefferson County athletes, said he most enjoyed winning his medal.

"I'm amazing (at basketball)," Moxley said.

According to Malinda McDonald, director of Jefferson County Special Olympics, the Special Olympics holds events at the state, national and international level. Additionally, each county has its own Special Olympics division where athletes train and participate.

The goal of the Special Olympics of West Virginia is to "bring all persons who are mentally challenged into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected and given a chance to become useful and productive citizens."

McDonald said the tournaments and games achieve this goal, and she said all participants benefit from the physical training and exercise, as well as benefit emotionally and socially from being part of the group.

"(Special Olympics) is a great opportunity for everyone — all ages, all abilities — and it's a very supporting environment. You can come in never having participated before or you can come in being involved for 20 years," McDonald said.

In Jefferson County, McDonald said the group struggles with participation numbers. However, she said the Jefferson County Special Olympics group is open to everyone regardless of age or ability.

The group tries to accommodate all participant interests. In addition to basketball, Moxley said he also plays golf and tennis; Bautista is interested in dance and cheerleading, and while Morgan's main interest is basketball, she also plays tennis and golf.

The Jefferson County group meets weekly on Monday Nights at 6-7 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church in Charles Town. McDonald can answer questions about participation by email at direct2q@yahoo.com.