Thanks to donations from the Lisbon Eagles Aerie No. 2216 and the Lisbon VFW Post No. 4111, the Columbiana County Special Olympics softball and track teams were able to purchase new uniforms this year. The teams recently took a break from practice to showcase their new uniforms. Pictured are (front, from left) coach Ivan Monroy, Past VFW Commander Wes Crothers, head coach Rich Dennison; (second row) assistant coach John Bertschy, Megan Decourt, Rachel Dennison, Michael Bertschy, Karisma Monroy, Cassie Ogden; (third row) assistant coach Renee Jackson, Dante Boyle, Tommy Baun, Jamie Gordon, Zach Wilson, Freddy Beshara, Faith Rhodes; (fourth row) Ronald Leupe, Clarence Lawrence, Charlie Sanders, Cody Jackson, Eric Crews, Ray Dewalt; (back) Brian Weingart, Keegan Todd, Lucas Rhodes, Phil Stewart and John Leasure. Not pictured is coach Dan McLaughlin and coordinator Lisa McLaughlin. (Special to the News)

LISBON — The Columbiana County Special Olympics track and softball teams are sporting new looks this season thanks to a uniform donation from the Lisbon Eagles Aerie No. 2216 and the Lisbon VFW Post No. 4111.

Comets coach John Bertschy said that both teams were in need of new uniforms as one of their sets of the uniforms was 10 to 12 years old.

“We were looking to purchase new uniforms and we knew that both organizations in the past had donated to worthwhile local groups,” said Bertschy. “Since my son Michael and I are members of both groups we decided to approach both the Eagles and the VFW. Both organizations said that if we put our request in writing they would take it up for consideration, which they did. Upon receiving the request, both groups quickly approved donations to enable us to buy the uniforms. We are so very grateful for their support.”

VFW Commander Wes Crothers, who also belongs to the Ealges, said he was glad to pitch in to help the Special Olympics athletes.

“We enjoy supporting local groups,” Crothers said. “We were glad to help such a worthwhile activity as the Special Olympics. These athletes work very hard and we wanted them to have good-looking uniforms.”

Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities assistant superintendent Josh Martin is very appreciative of the local support.

“We greatly appreciate the financial support of organizations such as the Eagles and the VFW, who share our interest in pledging our unwavering support of this program,” Martin said. “Our community has always stood behind the Comets, and this is yet another example how our athletes continue to benefit from their generosity.”

Martin was quick to express gratitude for the efforts of the coaches involved with the athletics teams.

“We are blessed to have dedicated coaches and a fantastic coordinator in Lisa McLaughlin, who works daily to make our program one of the best in Ohio,” said Martin. “The Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities places great value in our Special Olympics program, and we are grateful for the volunteer coaches and coordinators who provide an unparalleled opportunity for our athletes to compete.”