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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