College ball won’t be the only fierce competition hitting the courts in March. Special Olympics Arkansas will once again host its State Basketball Tournament this month. Special Olympics participants can engage in a wide variety of athletic options throughout the year—from track to golf and everything in between—and the State Basketball Tournament dates back to the early 70s. More than 40 years later, 45-50 teams participate every year. This year, the athletes will converge from across the state at the Russellville High School and Junior High School gyms to compete for the winning medals.

Though the tournament takes place March 14-15, the preparation begins much earlier. “We’re broken down into areas, so much like in high school sports, athletes play on the area level and then qualify for state level. They compete and train year-round,” says Camie Powell, the Special Olympics Arkansas Director of Marketing and Corporate Relations.

All children with intellectual disabilities—regardless of physical ability—are invited to begin training and competing with the Special Olympics beginning at age 8. Participants train until they are able to join a team; then, they practice with their team and try to qualify for the state tournament. “I began with Special Olympics as a coach, and I can tell you the benefits of the training are endless,” says Sawyer Ramsey, Special Olympics Arkansas Director of Sports, Training and Competition. “There are many times that Special Olympics was a main motivation for athletes not only around the time of a competition, but even weeks or months out. We would practice for a basketball tournament. After it was over they were already asking about the next sport and when practices were going to start.”

Of course, athletes are also practicing their motor skills, the structure of playing with a team and following rules, and the social skills involved with winning and losing. “We are a real sports organization—they win, they lose, they practice, but in the end we just want them trying as hard as they can,” says Powell.

At the State Basketball Tournament, competitive levels at the games are broken down not only between school-age competitors and adult athletes, but also “divisioning, a 5-minute game where we assess each team’s level and decide which teams to put together in a bracket to create the most competitive games possible,” Ramsey explains. Parents can feel secure knowing that athletes will be challenged, not overwhelmed by the competition.

There are also ways for new athletes to become involved, even if they aren’t ready for the state tournament courts, or even playing with a team. On March 1 at Mount St. Mary, athletes can participate in a workshop that goes over basketball basics like dribbling, shooting, passing and defense. Then, on March 13 at the Arkansas School for the Deaf, they can display those same fundamentals to compete in the Individual Skills competition (see sidebar). Plus, training, equipment and competition are free for families.

Cassidy Wharton, a 9-year-old from Sherwood, has grown up around her older sibling’s sports games, but participated in her first Special Olympics event last year when she competed in the Individual Skills event. Now she and her athletic family are hooked, calling the opening ceremonies at the State Games a “life-changing experience.”

“Special Olympics is a great opportunity to meet other families,” says Cassidy’s mother, Stacie Wharton, the Athletic Director at Immaculate Conception School. “It also provides the benefit of exercise, which is sometimes a struggle for those with special needs. Most importantly, it provides an opportunity to experience a sense of accomplishment. For Cassidy, it makes her happy. She thinks and feels like she is a winner everyday, but these events give her an outlet and a venue to be encouraged and cheered on by others.”

You’ll see all the benefits as you cheer on this year’s state b-ball champs. “I have not seen a Special Olympic athlete yet who does not radiate pride and pure joy when on the medal stand, the crowd cheering for their accomplishments,” says Wharton. “They are so proud of themselves, and in the end, isn’t that what we all yearn for—acceptance and appreciation for our efforts?”

Upcoming Events

March 1:
Basketball Fundamentals Workshop at Mount St. Mary

This workshop is perfect for new players, as it goes over all of the fundamentals of the game, including dribbling, shooting, passing and defense. 10 a.m.-noon.

March 13:
Basketball Individual Skills Competition at Arkansas School for the Deaf

After practicing the drills at the fundamental workshop, individuals will display their skills. Even if your young athlete isn’t ready for team play, this competition allows them go for the gold and compete for medals.

March 14-15:
State Basketball Tournament at Russellville High School and Junior High School

Cheer on 45-50 teams at this state-wide tournament. The fun begins with the opening ceremonies at the Russellville High School on Friday evening. The competition will begin shortly after and continue into Saturday. Medals are awarded for each bracket. Free for spectators and athletes.

Training, equipment and competition are free. For more info on these events and more, visit SpecialOlympicsArkansas.org.