PHOTOS: Special Olympics - Basketball Day Games - held at Blake Middle School

A Special Olympics event focusing on Basketball Games was held last Friday in the Blake Middle School gymnasium.

Medfield's special education student athletes were joined by athletes from Millis, Medway, Ashland and Holliston.  These five towns make up their own special charter of the Special Olympics.

The bleachers were filled with parents, grandparents, siblings and friends from all the towns participating and the gymnasium walls were covered with posters of encouragement for all athletes!

Matt LaCava, Director of Pupil Services began the ceremonies announcing the Parade of Athletes as the students entered the gymnasium. 

Police Officer Shelley Manganiello was the torch bearer and walked throughout the gymnasium with one of Medfield's young athletes by her side.

Special guests, including Boston Celtics Team President, Rich Gotham, high-fived many of the students as they walked past him.  Celtics cheerleaders, gymnasts and even Lucky the Leprechan cheered on the athletes and then Lucky entertained with his own dunking skills. 

A large number of Medfield High School students helped out at the different skill stations and sounds of cheering and roars of applause could be heard throughout the entire event!

At the conclusion of the games, each athlete received a medal given to them by their Police and Fire Departments.  Medfield's Chief Bob Meaney and Chief Bill Kingsbury took part in this ceremony along with many other police and fire personnel.

Fox 25 News Anchor and Medfield resident, Mark Ockerbloom was the emcee for the closing award ceremony and as he announced each name, the applause was endless. 

Hosting this event was a proud moment for Medfield.