Oak Lawn Eagles Special Rec Teams Bring Home The Bronze

OAK LAWN, IL — The Oak Lawn Park District’s Special Recreation Basketball teams both took home bronze medals the Special Olympics Illinois state finals this past weekend.

The “D” team, comprised of high school-age players, competed last Friday at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington. The D Team Eagles were down by six at the half. They lost their first game by 12. After a short snack break, the Eagles got back on the court. The Eagles gave a good effort, but lost their second game.

The players, Ibrahim Abdelhadi, Emma Cody, Ben Fritz, Andres Garcia, Ethan Gowaski, Brendan Kandich, Henry Krickl, Andrea Moreno, Gina Rielly and Khaled Shehata, took home bronze medals. Khaled was also recognized with a Ron Kinsey Spirit of the Games Award.

Khaled Shehata was recognized with a Ron Kinsey Spirit of the Games Award.

The Eagles B adult team played Saturday at Illinois State University in Normal. The Eagles B team, Johnny Damme, Shane Figura, Anthony Forde, Becca Gehle, Jessica Haugh, Caitlyn McManus, Jimmy O’Keefe, Jenna Richards, Ezekiel Rivera, Marium Whaid and Mary Wolfe, took home bronze medals.

Marium Wahid and Johnny Damme received Ron Kinsey Spirit Of The Games Awards.

The park district’s special rec basketball teams draw players from Bridgeview, Burbank, Evergreen Park, Chicago Ridge, Palos Heights, Crestwood and Hometown. Participants’ range in age from high school to 40. Many of the players have been shooting hoops together since 2005.

Marium Wahid and Johnny Damme received Ron Kinsey Spirit Of The Games Awards.