The annual Mesa West Spring Olympics was held Saturday evening April 27 at the home of John and Jane Benedict in Tempe. Following a presentation of the US Flag by the state champion Gilbert Tigers basketball team and a delicious meal catered by Smokin' Hot BBQ, the games began. The Gilbert High School Basketball team members served as scorekeepers and referees at each of the ten events, keeping the games honest. After the games were finished and the score sheets were tallied, it was interesting that none of the top three female participants were present to be honored with their medallions: Gold - Susan Williams Silver - Polly Cady Bronze - Aubrey Luma The top three male athletes were: Gold - Caio Luque Garcia Silver - Chuck Flint Bronze - Bob Zarling The winning teams were: Gold - Caio Luque Garcia and Sammy Rosenberg Silver - Susan and Ted Williams Bronze - Tom Bradford and Bob Zarling It was unfortunate, with our Rotary Youth Exchange Student Caio taking top honors in two categories, that the Ecuador flag and national anthem were not readily available to be displayed and played as he received his medals. He was, however, honored with a birthday cake on the eve of his 18th birthday. He had considerable difficulty blowing out the candles so his wish would come true. If he didn't know about trick birthday candles before he came to visit Mesa West Rotary, he certainly does now! Following the award ceremony, Chris Krueger presented a check from Mesa West for $500 to the basketball team to be used to help pay for championship rings for the team members. The hospitality enjoyed by all at the Benedict home was outstanding. The spirits of everyone present were dampened when it was announced that paramedics had arrived to take care of Jane after she fell and hit her head hard enough to cause bleeding. She was taken to Banner Desert Hospital where she spent a couple of nights being observed. We are pleased to report Jane was released Monday to enjoy some rest and recuperation in the comfort of their beautiful home. We are thankful for the hospitality we all enjoyed, but much more thankful to know Jane is safe at home. |