LIMA, OH (WLIO) - First responders hit the hardwood to raise money for the Allen County Special Olympics.
Firefighters, paramedics, EMT's, and police officers competed in a charity game against the Allen County Sharks basketball team on Thursday night to raise money for costs like food, travel, and equipment. At halftime, fans could also win a little money in free throw and 3-point shooting contests. The athletes enjoy getting to meet and play against local first responders and seeing the number of fans that come out to support them.
"They get out there, and they play really hard. And sometimes it's like, maybe they took a little tumble and they hit the ground, but they pop right back up and they're excited. I just love the smiles, I love the happiness, and the comradery, and I just like the teamwork and effort that goes into this on both sides. But I really, really enjoy just watching our athletes have a good time," said Stacy Crouse, the local coordinator for the Allen County Special Olympics.
First responders are always happy to raise money for good causes in their community, but they're also making an impact on the athletes themselves.
"This is like maybe the second or third time we've played against the Sharks, and what makes it memorable is, number one, we see them in the community. It's not like they're going to come here, play, and then we're not going to see them again. We're going to see them somewhere—at Wal-Mart, at the gas station, somewhere—and they're going to point out when they scored that basket against us. So that's what makes it memorable; nobody forgets it," said Warren Pughsley, the fire inspector for the Lima Fire Department.
The game was a close one, with the Sharks winning 67-66.
