Waldport and Newport Hoopsters Gallop into Action for Shriner's Fundraiser
Waldport and Newport High School students entertained a crowd of more than 300 during a friendly game of donkey basketball Saturday. The Lincoln County Shrine Club sponsors the annual fundraising event. (Photos by Amanda Remund and Larry Coonrod)
By Larry Coonrod
NEWPORT-It's not often a high school basketball game ends in a score of 12-8, but when the players are shooting from the backs of donkeys it is, as they say, a whole new ball game.
Newport and Waldport High School students squared off in the Lincoln County Shrine Club's 10th annual Donkey Basketball Tournament Saturday in Newport. While the coed teams missed more shots than they made, the crowd of more than 300 enjoyed the slow speed spectacle that saw the Cubs edge out the Irish.
Per donkey basketball rules, players had to hold on to their steed's reins while retrieving a loose ball, resulting in hilarity when the four-legged participants refused to follow. And yes, as donkeys tend to do, there were "accidents" on the court that had to be scooped up. It was a decidedly lackadaisical affair as the donkeys mostly sauntered up and down the court.
Donkey Sports, Inc. of Entiat, Washington provided the animals for the event. The company stages donkey basketball and baseball games throughout the Northwest. For indoor events, the animals wear special rubber shoes to prevent slips and protect the gym floor.
According to Donkey Sports’ website, in 34 years the company has never had an animal injured in a game or become sick from traveling. Company referees enforce strict safety and treatment rules for the donkeys.
"When a donkey becomes a good player, they have a long career in donkey basketball. They don’t break down at a young age or become sour on playing," company president Bill Wick said. "It is our hope that donkey basketball is viewed as a wholesome family event."
Shriners: More than Tiny Cars
The Shriner's are the social arm of the Masonic Lodge. Most famous for the little red cars they drive in parades, the clubs have a more serious role of raising money for children's medical care.
"We have 22 Shrine hospitals that take care of children with orthopedic problems, burns, cleft lip palates, anything spinal we take care of at no cost," said Lincoln County Shrine Club president Greg Jenkins.
Proceeds from the donkey basketball game benefited the local Shrine club and the two high schools.
Contact Reporter Larry Coonrod by emailing editor@lincolncountydispatch.com
