By Brian Larkin

The Vinton Shellsburg Special Olympics Basketball team took the gold in two events at the Special Olympics Iowa Midwinter Games at the U of I Fieldhouse in Iowa City.  Zach Kramer gained first place in the Basketball Skills competition.  The 5 on 5 Coed Basketball team defeated the Atlantic Trojans by a score of 38-25.  Nearly 300 athletes competed in basketball, power lifting, cheerleading and basketball skills events.    The Vinton - Shellsburg Special Olympics team will have a booth at the Vinton Home Show on March 27th and 28th from 11-3.   A silent auction and 50/50 raffle will be held to help raise money to purchase new uniforms for the rest of the team.  Nearly 40 athletes ages 8 to 21 will compete at the Regional Track and Field competion at Coe College on April 17th in Cedar Rapids.    

Picture Captions:  

Photo One- Zach Kramer shows off his medal while proud Mom, Kris Kramer looks on.  

Photo Two- The Vinton - Shellsburg Vikes faced off against the Atlantic Trojans in the gold medal match.  

Photo Three- Asst. Coach Whitney Bowen, Head Coach Tammy Zimmerman, John Larkin, Steven Schmitz, William Greenwood, Rodney Uthoff, Tyler Clark, Kim Moon, Mikayla Jacobsen, Zach Turner, Robert Hurst, Asst. Coach Brian Larkin