Photo courtesy of Geralyn CummingsThe Adams State University Human Performance and Physical Education (HPPE) Department sports facility and event management class organized the 2016 Special Olympics Basketball Showcase on February 28 in Plachy Hall. Peggy Johnson, HPPE visiting instructor, said she appreciated everyone who attended and supported the event and helped make it a success. "With all the generous donations we raised almost enough to finance the trip to a regional competition. Thank you to all who contributed."
The game was played using the Special Olympics Unified rules, which set up basketball teams composed of three Special Olympians and two non-Special Olympics athletes. Teams consisted of members of the SLV Dust Devils and the Adams State Men’s Lacrosse team. The final results of the Blue and Red match-up was Blue finishing on top, 32-28.
The SLV Dust Devils team members include Jocelyn Marksberry, Andrew Griego, Christina Quintana, Maria Garcia, Karie Valdez, Loren Guymon, Andrew Allee, Ed June, Sonya Lee, John Bailey, Sharon Bailey & Marc Alfaro. The athletes who participated in an Individual Skills competition, including dribbling, passing, and shooting events were Steve Guymon, first place; Michelle Chacon, third place; Chris Martinez, first place; and Charles Silva, fourth place.
The SLV Special Olympics Basketball program practiced on most Saturdays since November and took second at the Southeast Regional Championship held in Pueblo on February 20. Coached by Jeff Storm, they beat the Rams, 54-26. Once in the winners bracket of the Division IV ages 22 and older, in a close game, they fell to the Chrush White, 32-30.
Special Olympics is an international organization which provides a year-round program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
The SLV Special Olympics Track and Field program began practice in March. For more information or to volunteer, contact Johnson at 719-587-7408 or pvjohnson@adams.edu.
