Special Olympics Virginia will be hosting a Regional Basketball Tournament Sunday, February 23 in Cassell Coliseum at Virginia Tech.
Starting at around 9 a.m. on Sunday, the 9,000 seat Cassell Coliseum will begin to fill up with driven competitors and enthusiastic fans from all over the region. Twenty four Special Olympics teams from throughout Virginia will be competing for a chance to go to the State Championships.
The Virginia Tech basketball team will be on hand to assist in the ceremonies, including the torch lighting, which will occur around 1 p.m. The Virginia Tech Basketball and Women’s Soccer team who recently competed in the NCAA Final Four will be on hand to assist with the ceremonies. Dozens of Virginia Tech varsity athletes will be there to greet the athletes, present awards and help with the games.
Special Olympics is once again promoting the “Volunteer 2 Cheer” (volunteer2cheer.com) campaign to rock the Cassell. Volunteers will come together as the “home team crowd” for teams from across the region. The organizing committee is expecting the community and the university students to pack the stands and create an atmosphere of excitement and enthusiasm for the teams as they start tournament play. FedEx Ground is returning as a sponsor for the fourth year. Chris Martin of FedEx says “our employees are eager to come back each year to cheer and present awards. It is inspiring to watch Special Olympics team members of all ages and skill levels compete.”
“We believe it is truly not as special without the fans.” says BJ Norris Area volunteer leader, whose sons participate in Special Olympics.
Athletes with intellectual disabilities are transforming attitudes and creating a world that is accepting of all people. Through the power of sport, Special Olympics is making the world a better place. Witness, firsthand, how Special Olympians reveal the champion in all of us!
Anyone and everyone can be a fan. Fans can go to www.volunteer2cheer.com to sign up. Fans are assigned a team at volunteer check in on the parking lot side of Cassell Coliseum beginning at 8:30 a.m. and afternoon check in will begin at noon. Games begin at 9:00 a.m. and will end around 5:00 p.m. Games will be played at both Cassell Coliseum and the new Hahn Basketball Practice Facility next door.
Special Olympics is an organization that provides a program of sports training and athletic competition for adults and children with intellectual disabilities. All individuals and groups are welcome. For more information, please call (540) 951-2918 or 1-800-526-6132 or e-mail [email protected].
