The Prince George's County Council celebrated a significant achievement at their recent meeting, honoring the 3 versus 3 Special Olympics team from the area for winning a gold medal at the Maryland State Championship. Council member Blaguette led the proclamation, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

During the ceremony, Blaguette highlighted the mission of the Special Olympics, which aims to provide opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to participate in sports, emphasizing that proper training and competition are vital for their development. The council recognized the team's impressive performance, which included athletes Ania Bambly, Kayon Benjamin, Drew Brody, Avery Perry, Jalen Ver Veni, Kevin Vergara, John Wooten, and Robert Wright, along with coaches Dwayne Brody and Ronald Bryce Junior.

A heartfelt moment came when a parent of one of the athletes spoke about the challenges faced by families in the special needs community. She expressed gratitude for the council's recognition, stating that it is crucial for the community to understand the dedication and effort that goes into the athletes' achievements. The parent also called for increased awareness and involvement in Special Olympics programs, which offer year-round training in various sports at no cost to participants.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for the council to collaborate with local Special Olympics leaders to enhance support for athletes in Prince George's County. The recognition of the 3 versus 3 team not only celebrated their victory but also aimed to foster a more inclusive environment for all individuals with intellectual disabilities in the community.