Athletes from around the area gathered at the Caldwell County Middle School to participate in the annual Caldwell County Special Olympics Winterfest Basketball Tournament on Saturday.
Teams began arriving well before 7:00 am to start the games with a full schedule that lasted until around 6:00 pm before the last game was completed with some games being played at the elementary school. Caldwell County Special Olympics Coordinator Vickie Purcell reported that all teams showed up with close to 300 athletes competing in the tournament.
click to download audioLongtime supporters of the Special Olympics Teresa & Wayne Cash attended the games and presented a donation to Purcell to help sponsor the tournament. Teresa noted they made the donation in memory of their Son Jody Cash who was a faithful supporter of the Special Olympics.
Wayne Cash added he always enjoyed watching the games. He pointed out an observation that is mentioned every year during the tournament that the athletes at these games always enjoy watching the other teams play and show such great sportsmanship.
click to download audioGary Knight is a former player on the team and now serves as team manager. He was excited to be there and help in any way possible.
click to download audioOne of the team coaches Roy Gene Rogers shared that after the games finished they were extremely pleased with the tournament and heard many compliments throughout the day. He told about one couple from Owensboro who were grandparents and said they didn’t have a program like this locally and were impressed and thankful for Caldwell County for hosting the tournament. He also stressed how grateful the Special Olympics were to the local community for all the support and donations to make the day possible. Rogers also added he saw a lot of local people attending the games and that meant a lot to the players.
