Manti’s Neil Riding earns silver medal at Special Olympics
Matt Harris
Staff writer
11-3-2016
SALT LAKE CITY—Manti native Neil Riding and his teammates captured a silver medal at a Special Olympics basketball tournament at the University of Utah campus last month on Oct. 15.
The 22-year old son of Van and Margaret Riding of Ephraim is diagnosed with Down syndrome, but his family says he has found much enjoyment in the game of basketball with friends and peers in his native Sanpete.
Upon moving to Springville three months ago to be housed in a special-needs care home, Riding’s love of basketball continued in the sight of Chrysalis, Riding’s housing sponsor. Chrysalis chose to sponsor Riding’s team in a local Special Olympics event.
Riding’s team held regular practices before the October tournament and went on to play three games to capture the silver medal.
“It was an absolute delight to see him participating,” Margaret Riding said. “He was at the height of his usual glory. Just attending one of these events was one of the highlights of our lives as parents.”
