A group of Special Education students recently represented San Benito CISD at the Special Olympics Texas Winter Games 2015 in Austin, Texas.
Themed “Courage with no fear. Respect with no resistance. Acceptance with no limits,” the 22nd annual winter games included bowling, powerlifting, and volleyball events.
San Benito athletes participated in the bowling competition and collectively brought home 14 awards, including three gold, five silver, and four bronze medals.
The bowling competition results were the following:
San Benito High School
- Josue Hernandez, Gold
- Miranda Reyna, Gold
- Stephanie Zamora, Gold
- Adriana Ramirez, Silver
- Amanda Lopez, Silver
- Angelica Romero, Silver
- Alexandria Hernandez, Bronze
- Kassandra Jimenez, Bronze
- Mark Medrano, Bronze
- Rafael Constante, Bronze
- Greg Vargas, 4th Place
- Maria Guadalupe Martinez, 6th Place
San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy
- Frank Torres, Silver
- Luis Andrade, Silver
San Benito Special Olympics/Adaptive Physical Education Coordinator Rick Tamez explains that there are high expectations for Special Olympics athletes that participate in competitive sports at the state level.
“All Special Olympic athletes deserve an equal chance to excel during competition. Congratulations to each athlete for taking it to the state level and performing with pride,” said Tamez.
“I am extremely proud of our student athletes and thankful for the support from our administration, parents and coaching staff,” he added.
Committed to the Special Olympics motto, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,” the local program staff is committed to empowering special education students to become physically fit, productive, and respected members of society through sports training and competition.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marc A. Puig was on hand to wish the student athletes well during the sendoff gathering immediately before their trip. “Incredible teamwork. I thank everyone for going the extra mile for our students!” said Dr. Puig.
Special Education Director Theresa Cantu explained, “San Benito CISD has an outstanding group of dedicated students, parents, and staff. I am very proud of our students’ accomplishments. Our staff has done an outstanding job, and the support of our administrators has been tremendous.”
For additional information on local Special Olympics initiatives, contact Tamez at (956) 361-6214.
These students recently represented San Benito CISD at the Special Olympics Texas Winter Games in Austin, Texas: (shown in no particular order) Adriana Ramirez, Alexandria Hernandez, Amanda Lopez, Amanda Sierra, Angelica Romero, Frank Torres, Greg Vargas, Josue Hernandez, Kassandra Jimenez, Luis Andrade, Maria Guadalupe Martinez, Mark Medrano, Miranda Reyna, Rafael Constante, and Stephanie Zamora. Also shown amongst the student athletes are Special Olympics/Adaptive Physical Education Coordinator Rick Tamez; coaches Aracely Correa, Belinda Perez, Cindy Garrett, Cindy Puente, Davis Ezell, Gabriel Gonzalez, Jesus Zuñiga, Melanie Murillo, Melissa De Leon, and Robert Romero; Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marc A. Puig; Special Education Director Theresa Cantu; and San Benito High School Principal Henry Sanchez and Assistant Principal Juan Lopez.