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Woodlands Warriors win gold at Special Olympics basketball tourney

By: J. Werner
| Published 05/24/2015

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THE WOODLANDS, Texas - The Woodlands Warriors have not only laid claim to the title “Road Warriors,” they won the gold medal on the road at the Special Olympics basketball tournament hosted by the University of Texas in Arlington, Texas.

The woodlands warriors are part of Area 6 of Special Olympics of Texas, under the guidance of Area 6 Director, Rachell Baldwin. Three basketball teams from Area 6 competed; some of the athletes competed in individual skills as well. All three basketball teams placed in the medals, with the Warriors White team taking gold.

The warriors delegation is led by Nino and Lisa Thompson. Coaches for this years Summer Games were: Miguel Lopez, Nino Thompson, Doug Brogan, Lisa Thompson, Allan Schneider, Brett Heath, Duane Choate, and Margaret Anaya. Approximately 30 athletes and their families made the road trip to the summer games.

Skill development, discipline, determination, and good old warrior instincts, were attributed to the victory by coach Miguel Lopez. At a celebratory event afterwards, Lopez reflected on the team’s accomplishment.

“After winning our game, securing our gold medal, the teams got together to understand what we just accomplished,” said Lopez. “I’m very proud of these athletes. Winning the gold is nice, but being a part of a group that learned how to play together, learned about themselves, get a sense of accomplishment...to me, that might even be better than the medal itself.”

The posts of congratulations continued to pile up on Miguel’s Facebook page with dozens of well-wishers hitting the “Like” button and some leaving their own personal messages.

“That is so AWESOME! Not only proud of the players, but the coaches that take the time and have the patience to really help those Warriors.,” posted Rosanne Lopez. “So great y'all are, and such big hearts! Way to go cousin, Miguel, & other coaches, and most of all, the Warriors, themselves. GREAT TEAMWORK!”

For these very special athletes, being a part of a whole, is a big part of their driving force, and as well, for the coaches.

“Very proud of the Woodlands Warriors and their families. A privilege to be a part of it,” said Lopez..

#WoodlandsWarriors #SpecialOlympics

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