Special Olympics Sunshine Coast basketball has grown from a handful of players four years ago to supporting two teams from Sechelt and Gibsons. The teams practice each week from September to February and regularly play each other.
Last Saturday (Jan. 15), the local teams hosted a basketball tournament against other Special Olympic teams from Burnaby, Coquitlam and North Vancouver.
The matches kicked off at Elphinstone Secondary School with two courts in play. Each team was well supported by their travelling fans, and cheers and chants could be heard around the gym.
Gibsons Family Network and the Sunshine Shack provided chili and hot dogs for lunch and an endless supply of hot drinks. Entertainment was provided by the local Special Olympics rhythmic gymnastics group.
By 3 p.m., every team had played four matches and managed to win at least one game. Results varied with a number of very close games, especially from the C level teams. Burnaby B produced the biggest margin in their game against North Vancouver, winning 52-6 and eventually going on to win the tournament. North Vancouver was placed second and Coquitlam third. Although no team from the Sunshine Coast was placed, all the players agreed it was great fun to host the tournament and to play against other teams.
Thanks go to Laurie Miller and Samantha Mills for arranging the tournament; to all of the volunteer referees and coaches, timekeepers, scorers, first-aiders, meeters and greeters; to the Gibsons Family Network and the Sunshine Shack for the concession stand; and to the Sunshine Coast Credit Union for sponsoring the event. Final thanks go to all of the Sunshine Coast Special Olympic basketball players for training each week and playing four matches in one day. Well done, everyone!
-Submitted
