HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Passionate basketball players are hitting the court to squeeze in as much practice as they can before the big state basketball tournament in March. One of the three Christian County Special Olympics teams has qualified to compete in the March Magic tournament in Louisville after dominating at regionals.
During practice, Christian County Special Olympics Coordinator LuAnn Diuguid discussed the players journey as members of the Christian County Colonels warmed up in the gym of Indian Hills Elementary School. Comprised of all returning players, they passed around the ball while connecting with friends before more focused drills and a practice scrimmage began.
“Everybody loves basketball,” said Diuguid. “It’s exciting! They love it and they love trying to get better.” As the date for the state tournament approaches on March 8 and March 9, it is all hands-on deck to make sure the team is ready, with extra coaches and players from other teams joining to help.
With around 80 Special Olympics teams in the state, making it to the next phase of the competition is no small feat. Around 35 other teams will join them in Louisville during March Magic for a weekend of basketball and fun, with a dance rounding out the tournament. Like any other sport, Diuguid expects the tournament to be very competitive. They are preparing players by working on shooting effectively and collaborating with teammates on the court.
“No matter how it goes, it’s just fun,” she told Christian County Now. “It’s been a great season no matter what.” After the tournament, they will wrap up the season with a banquet in Hopkinsville to celebrate their players.
This is not the first taste of success Special Olympics members have experienced in Christian County. Last softball season, one of their teams won the Special Olympics Kentucky State Championship Softball Tournament in Owensboro.
To find out how to join a sport or volunteer, visit the Christian County Special Olympics Facebook page.
DON’T MISS A STORY: Click here to sign up for our free weekly email newsletter