Spirit of the Games Winners on Early Show

Background:
High school seniors Josh Titus and Patrick Thibodeau truly embody the spirit of basketball and achieved greatness – all while overcoming great obstacles. Josh Titus has Autism and Patrick Thibodeau has Downs Syndrome. And, together, they have inspired the entire state of Maine.

Maine McDonald’s Owner/Operators were so inspired by their individual stories that they created a special award called the McDonald’s Spirit of the Game Award that was presented to the two athletes at the March 13th Maine McDonald’s High School Senior All-Star Basketball Awards Banquet. This award honored these two young men who embody the spirit of the sport, who exemplify sportsmanship, who support and inspire their teammates and coaching staff, and who show an ability to overcome obstacles and boundaries.


Last weekend the Maine McDonald’s owners sent Josh, Patrick and their parents to the NCAA Final Four® games in Detroit where they received the V.I.P. treatment. In addition, CBS produced a 14-minute segment that featured both young men. For these two families, this trip is a dream come true. In essence, basketball is their lives. They love the sport; they embody the spirit.