Fostertown Teachers and Staff Partnered with Community Members for Basketball Game versus the Orange County Flames

On Wednesday, February 22, 2023, the “Newburgh Dreams”, a team made up of teachers and staff members from the Newburgh Enlarged City School District’s Fostertown Elementary School, as well as other members of the Greater Newburgh Community, including the not-for-profit civil service organization Melanin Unchained, and the Newburgh City Court, faced the Orange County Flames for a game of basketball at Bishop Dunn Memorial School on the Mount St. Mary’s Campus. 

Formed over 15 years ago by their Coach James Knox, the Orange County Flames is a team made of Orange County residents and was the first sanctioned New York State Special Olympics basketball team in Orange County. Coach Knox proudly boasts that 5 of his team members, including his own 35-year-old nephew, have played with the Flames all 15 years. The gym was packed with fans of the Flames.

After taking the Special Olympics Oath, the teams tipped off and played an exciting and competitive match. The Flames were indeed very special athletes and played with all the sportsmanship, enthusiasm and determination of an NBA squad. The Newburgh Dreams played with determination, love and respect. The Newburgh Dreams are just one of several teams that Coach Knox has lined up to take on the Flames, however the Dreams promised to continue to support the Orange County Flames and the Special Olympics, hoping and “dreaming” of future games.

All noted that the feeling of community was heavy in the air. Joyful smiles were in abundance and all of the players from both teams shared their feelings of achievement. As Coach Knox thanked the Newburgh Dreams for their support, he stated “What a night with a beautiful group of people”. What a night indeed!

Story submitted by Daniel Svarczkopf

Photos submitted by Zoe Matthews

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!