Longwood Lends a Hand to Disadvantaged Youth
Regional Special Olympics Basketball Tournament: Part 1
Issue date: 3/3/10 Section: Features
By Tate Leftwich
Rotunda Reporter
"Go Generals"! Shouted a group of enthusiastic cheerleaders, showing their support for their hometown team of Dinwiddie, who were participating in the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament, held on Sunday, Feb 21 in Willet gym at Longwood University. The group of cheerleaders carries a unique quality as they happen to be the only cheerleading squad created for youth with intellectual disabilities in the state. Kelly Knick, coach of the squad said, "The team is designed for special needs kids." This type of diversity set the tone for what the Regional Special Olympics Tournament is all about; breaking the stereotypes of people with intellectual disabilities and allowing their capabilities to shine, both on and off the court. The event was held by the Therapeutic Recreation Organization for youth with mild to severe autism. The event was helped set up by the Therapeutic Recreation Organization, the men's basketball team and golf team from Longwood and student and faculty volunteers.
Josh Walker, the Special Olympics Regional Director and former wrestling coach at the University of Virginia said, "The thing that makes us unique is the different components of Longwood that come together for it. The Special Olympics is a combination of people and athletes and I love that fusion of both. The Special Olympics is all about respect and unity." The tournament has multiple teams from all over Virginia who go through an elimination process to determine a team winner and the athletes get graded by their skill level. The teams are co-ed and teamwork is very much encouraged for the teams. "I help out because I enjoy seeing these athletes come out. It's a time for them to shine and be seen as regular people. I love seeing their faces light up as they play" said Danielle Danner, a junior at Longwood and one of the coordinators for the event.
Susan Lynch, the associate professor of therapeutic recreation at Longwood, has been helping out with the organization for 16 years. Up until 10 years ago, the organization was not a regional event. It was Lynch who pushed for the tournament to become a regional event, when volunteers and participants were low. Now, volunteers and teams come from all over the state such as, Fredericksburg, Stafford and Richmond. The areas are assessed by age and skill level for the tournament. "The tournament this year has gone smoothly. Individuals really appreciate the time that is put in for them for the tournament. It is the most favored Special Olympics tournament in the state because the coaches believe it is well-run" said Lynch. "Longwood really pushes citizen leadership and diversity. The tournament opens people's eyes to people with intellectual disabilities to show capabilities. Students should understand the concepts of leaders and doing something for someone else. It's not about you but what you can do for others."
Brian Alden, the coach for the Special Olympics basketball team, the Stafford Titans, was inspired to coach when his son, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome, started playing basketball. Alden has now coached the Stafford Titans for four years. "We've had a good season and are looking forward to states this march" Alden said. I am anticipating the final results of the tournament and the overall success of it. More funding for the Special Olympics tournament is always an issue, and I look forward to speaking with those involved with the event, on the final outcome of the tournament and goals that are being strived for, to reach the aspired success for the program.
Rotunda Reporter
"Go Generals"! Shouted a group of enthusiastic cheerleaders, showing their support for their hometown team of Dinwiddie, who were participating in the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament, held on Sunday, Feb 21 in Willet gym at Longwood University. The group of cheerleaders carries a unique quality as they happen to be the only cheerleading squad created for youth with intellectual disabilities in the state. Kelly Knick, coach of the squad said, "The team is designed for special needs kids." This type of diversity set the tone for what the Regional Special Olympics Tournament is all about; breaking the stereotypes of people with intellectual disabilities and allowing their capabilities to shine, both on and off the court. The event was held by the Therapeutic Recreation Organization for youth with mild to severe autism. The event was helped set up by the Therapeutic Recreation Organization, the men's basketball team and golf team from Longwood and student and faculty volunteers.
Josh Walker, the Special Olympics Regional Director and former wrestling coach at the University of Virginia said, "The thing that makes us unique is the different components of Longwood that come together for it. The Special Olympics is a combination of people and athletes and I love that fusion of both. The Special Olympics is all about respect and unity." The tournament has multiple teams from all over Virginia who go through an elimination process to determine a team winner and the athletes get graded by their skill level. The teams are co-ed and teamwork is very much encouraged for the teams. "I help out because I enjoy seeing these athletes come out. It's a time for them to shine and be seen as regular people. I love seeing their faces light up as they play" said Danielle Danner, a junior at Longwood and one of the coordinators for the event.
Susan Lynch, the associate professor of therapeutic recreation at Longwood, has been helping out with the organization for 16 years. Up until 10 years ago, the organization was not a regional event. It was Lynch who pushed for the tournament to become a regional event, when volunteers and participants were low. Now, volunteers and teams come from all over the state such as, Fredericksburg, Stafford and Richmond. The areas are assessed by age and skill level for the tournament. "The tournament this year has gone smoothly. Individuals really appreciate the time that is put in for them for the tournament. It is the most favored Special Olympics tournament in the state because the coaches believe it is well-run" said Lynch. "Longwood really pushes citizen leadership and diversity. The tournament opens people's eyes to people with intellectual disabilities to show capabilities. Students should understand the concepts of leaders and doing something for someone else. It's not about you but what you can do for others."
Brian Alden, the coach for the Special Olympics basketball team, the Stafford Titans, was inspired to coach when his son, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome, started playing basketball. Alden has now coached the Stafford Titans for four years. "We've had a good season and are looking forward to states this march" Alden said. I am anticipating the final results of the tournament and the overall success of it. More funding for the Special Olympics tournament is always an issue, and I look forward to speaking with those involved with the event, on the final outcome of the tournament and goals that are being strived for, to reach the aspired success for the program.
Be the first to comment on this story