The Caldwell County Special Olympics held the annual Basketball WinterFest Tournament Saturday on the Caldwell School Campus. This year brought a bigger and different light to the tournament by hosting at two different school gyms with the largest number of teams and players to participate in the annual event. 325 players, plus cheerleaders and an unknown number of parents and fans, gathered at the local high school and middle school to enjoy a full day of basketball action. This tournament was a qualifying event to allow teams to meet the requirements to advance to the Regional Tournament.
Caldwell Special Olympics Coordinator Vickie Purcell told about the activities of the day.
click to download audioPurcell explained that the Special Olympic Tournament is not set up like other tournaments, with teams advancing after winning a game to play in the finals. It is played for each individual game to serve as a qualifying event for each team.
click to download audioThere are many volunteers needed to host a big tournament like the one played on Saturday, and there were many individuals and groups that showed up to donate their time and services. The Princeton Optimist Club was there to help prepare and cook part of the lunch and help with other activities, as they have in past years. There were helpers in the concession stands and game officials.
One of the officials who helped referee the games was local resident Daren Smiley, who put on the striped shirt to help out the group.
click to download audioOne new attraction to the tournament this year was a local photography business that volunteered to be there and make individual and team pictures free of charge to the athletes. Rebecca Boyd shared about their project.
click to download audioBoyd noted the services they provide for the public.
click to download audioThere were numerous donations from individuals, clubs, groups, and businesses that gave to the Special Olympics to make this tournament possible. Woodman Life was present at the games, and Dana Dyer said they were happy to help sponsor the group.
click to download audioPurcell expressed her appreciation to everyone who donated to help with the expenses of the tournament. The Special Olympics team players presented Vickie Purcell with a gift during the day to show their appreciation to her for leading their program for the year and past years.
