SHS Students Volunteer for Special Olympics Basketball Team

SHS students Matt Hebert, far left, and Scott Robitaille Jr., right, volunteered with the Great Bay Services Special Olympics Basketball team.

Photo: SHS Athletics

Compiled by Sam Bonsey, Sanford Schools Communications Coordinator

Two Sanford High School students, Matt Hebert and Scott Robitaille Jr., have been making a significant impact through their volunteer work with the Great Bay Services Special Olympics Basketball team since the start of January.

Matt’s involvement with Great Bay Services – a Maine and New Hampshire-based service that helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families – stems from his participation in the school’s Extended Learning Opportunities program. Spending four days a week at Great Bay Services, Matt has immersed himself in various aspects of adult services, including employment, independent living, and specialized training.

He has been actively engaged in supporting the Great Bay Services Special Olympic Athletes, demonstrating his enthusiasm and passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others.

“As soon as I got there, I had a blast,” he said. “The game flew by just because it was so fun. We might not have won every game, but everyone had an amazing time. They all said they couldn’t wait to be back next year.”

Similarly, Scott has been contributing his time and effort to the basketball team, volunteering on Mondays and Fridays after school. His dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. Jon Stimmell, the Maine program director of Great Bay Services, acknowledged his contributions to the team.

“Scott has done an amazing job,” Stimmell said.

Together, Matt and Scott volunteered with the Great Bay Services Unified Basketball Team at the Special Olympics Tournament held at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham on Saturday, March 16.

This event was a culmination of their efforts, providing an opportunity for athletes to showcase their skills and celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie. For Matt, the highlight of the tournament was the collective achievement of ensuring that everyone had the chance to score.

“There was one teammate who scored with a minute left in our last game” he said. “Overall, it was an amazing event and I’m so glad we were able to attend.”