PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Aroostook Snowdogs Special Olympics basketball team has received a generous $13,887 donation from Gary Savary on behalf of the former Central Aroostook CB Radio Club.
Savary, the club’s final remaining member, presented the donation as a way to ensure the organization’s legacy continues long after the club’s dissolution. The contribution will help support the Snowdogs’ participation in Special Olympics programs, including travel, equipment, uniforms, tournament expenses and athlete development opportunities.
The Central Aroostook CB Radio Club was built on helping people and supporting the community. As the last remaining member, Savary wanted to make sure the club’s remaining funds were invested in an organization that supported Presque Isle athletics and community programming. This donation is a way to keep the spirit of the club alive, the Snowdogs represent teamwork, dedication and community values the CB club believed in.
The Central Aroostook CB Radio Club was active in northern Maine during the height of citizens band radio popularity, in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Savary recalls the organization supported local emergency communications and search and rescue efforts, working alongside civil authorities and service organizations during emergencies. The club provided CB radio equipment and communications assistance when needed in the community.
The Snowdogs are Aroostook County’s Special Olympics basketball team and have long provided athletes with intellectual disabilities opportunities to compete, build friendships, and develop confidence through sports. The program is part of the broader Special Olympics Maine programming, which offers year-round training and athletic competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Head coach Jody Shaw expressed gratitude for the donation and noted that the gift will help create meaningful opportunities for athletes for years to come.
“This extraordinary donation ensures that the spirit of community service demonstrated by the Central Aroostook CB Radio Club will continue through the accomplishments of our athletes,” Shaw said.
For the Snowdogs, the donation represents more than financial support, it is a lasting investment in inclusion, opportunity and the power of sport to transform lives.
“We are honored that Mr. Savary and the Central Aroostook CB Radio Club chose the Snowdogs as the recipient of this donation,” Shaw said.
