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Virginia
Cassell Coliseum hosts Southwest Virginia Special Olympics regional basketball tournament
BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) – In an uplifting celebration, teams from all over Southwest Virginia came together at Virginia Tech.
Fans packed Cassell Coliseum as they cheered for the Special Olympics Virginia Play Unify basketball teams.
Play Unify provides a platform for individuals with and without intellectual disabilities to come together and play sports.
“The aim is to use sports as a vehicle to break down those barriers that might have initially kept people apart” explained Nancy Morehouse, Director of Southwest Virginia Special Olympics.
Seventeen teams played in the tournament on Sunday in Blacksburg. Morehouse said the impact of the game goes beyond basketball.
“Over time, as our athletes do come together as teams and get to know each other, they begin to develop confidence, which falls over into their social opportunities, and it means everything.”
Athletes were celebrated during the tournament with a ceremonial torch lighting and the Olympic fanfare. Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball Coach Mike Young and his team also made a special appearance.
“The basketball team has been amazing… all of the student athletes really give a lot and really sign up in great numbers and be a part of it,” said Morehouse. “So that makes us feel really good that they value our special Olympics just as much and want to be a part of it.”
The atmosphere was full of support, unity, and sportsmanship.
“It really does build community, and it really is an important part for not only our athletes and their teammates, but also their families that love to come out and support them,” added Morehouse.
Athlete Martin Campbell had a bus of members from his hometown show up to support him.
There’s one thing he had to say about the tournament today… “It’s great!”
Campbell, along with his fellow athletes, are looking forward to hitting the courts again on February 20th at Roanoke College. Teams will be competing for a chance to play in state championships.
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Virginia
Democrat Rep. Ted Lieu calls Virginia Supreme Court decision on redistricting
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Virginia
Ding! Ding! Virginia Beach trolley season kicks off May 10
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Four new trollies will join the VB Wave Trolley fleet beginning May 10, when Virginia Beach Wave Trolley will resume its seasonal service along the oceanfront.
Trolley season lasts through September 25-27 for the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival.
A total of 14 new trollies will be part of the fleet this year, gradually replacing the older versions. The 29-foot trolley replica buses seat 29 people and feature wooden seats, with “sky-blue and sand-colored brown exterior,” according to Hampton Roads Transit (HRTS). Last year, 281,507 riders used the trolley system.
“This year marks the 42nd season of the VB Wave trolley, and these new trollies will provide a comfortable, safe, and efficient ride for visitors and locals alike,” William E. Harrell said. He is the president and CEO of HRT. “As part of our partnership with the city of Virginia Beach, the VB Wave makes it easy for everyone to visit attractions and explore the Oceanfront and beyond without the hassles of parking or the high cost of gas,” Harrell said.
The following routes will operate May 10 through Sept. 27 for the Neptune Festival:
Route 30 is the Atlantic Avenue Trolley, running along the Oceanfront between JT’s Grommet Island Park to Fortieth Street. This service operates daily from 8 a.m.- 2 a.m.
Route 31 is the aquarium and campground trolley along General Booth Boulevard. It runs daily from 9:30 a.m.-11:10 p.m. through Labor Day and again on Fridays through Sundays from Sept. 11 through Sept. 27. Route 31 also extends to Atlantic Avenue and 18th Street.
Route 35 is the Bayfront Bus, providing service between Parks Avenue and 19th Street and Shore Drive and Pleasure House Road, enabling customers to visit Chesapeake Bay beaches, First Landing State Park, and Bayfront restaurants. It operates daily from 8 a.m.-12:30 a.m. through Labor Day and then Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only from Sept. 11 through the Sept. 27 festival
The VB Wave trolley connects to HRT bus lines, Routes 20 and 960, with access to the Newtown Road Light Rail Station and the Downtown Norfolk Transit Center.
Fares are $2 one way or $4.50 for an all-day pass. Kids 17 and under ride free with a paying adult. Riders can pay for tickets using HRT’s GoMobile app and a credit card. Riders can create and manage multiple virtual cards and reload value for easy group boarding, and need to have a unique scannable virtual card for boarding. Children are not required to scan a virtual card or pay fare when boarding with an adult.
Customers can also tap to pay using credit and debit cards. KOA Campground, Virginia Gift Shop, nine Sunsations locations, and Ocean Wave Gift Shop sell tickets. Riders can also pay with exact change cash onboard the trolley.
In addition, HRT is introducing a new route in Virginia Beach beginning May 10. The new Route 981 will connect the Amazon Fulfillment Center (ORF 4) at 1795 Dam Neck Road with the Downtown Norfolk Transit Center.
Route 33 service is being restored to Atlantic Avenue and 68th Street 365 days a year to support the oceanfront hospitality industry.
Virginia
PHOTOS: Virginia Beach Police investigate firearm-related incident at Carriage House Apartments
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia Beach Police are at the scene of a firearm-related incident at Carriage House Apartments Saturday afternoon, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department.
The department also confirmed there are no shooting victims at this time.
10 On Your Side is at the scene and working to gather more information about the situation.
10 On Your Side will update this story when more information is available.
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