Special Olympians heading to provincial championships
When a team of basketball players from Adam Scott Collegiate take on the province’s best in Niagara Region next month, coach Nick Sheppard knows his special needs players will be gaining more than just experience in competitive sports.
They’ve also be gaining invaluable life experience as they forge new friendships and strengthen existing relationships through a variety of activities, both on and off the court. Sheppard hopes that will help the students learn just what is out there for them.
“They’ve been very excited and eager for this opportunity,” the teacher and child and youth worker said following a Tuesday practice at the Hilliard St. high school.
The team, which won a qualifying tournament before Christmas, will be among 20 taking part in the Special Olympics Ontario School Championships for students ages 12 to 21 with intellectual disabilities taking place from June 12 to 14.
More than 200 teams vied for the privilege of playing in the championships at 60 regional qualifiers across the province, Sheppard said. Players will compete in track and field, bocce, soccer, floor hockey and three-on-three basketball.
The championships will give the students a chance to play compete at a higher level against students with similar backgrounds, he explained.
Sheppard has also coached the high school’s senior boys basketball team for 11 years and said like its members, the secondary learning life skills program students practice three times a week and volunteer with fundraising, for example.
Just like other athletes, the students will enjoy events a banquet dinner and awards ceremony, and get to take in local tourist attractions, such as the Maid of the Mist boat tour.
“It’s a great opportunity for these kids,” Sheppard said.
Team member Karston Burke said he is looking forward to the competition, but knows the whole experience will be a lot of fun, too.
He started playing basketball in Grade 8 and his favourite part of the game is constantly working to improve his skills – he plays every day after his classes. Burke said he has learned much from his coach, about shooting, passing and free throws.
The group is an attentive, dedicated group that always does its best, Sheppard said.
Most of them are friends who communicate well and motivate each other, factors which will be key for the team to be successful, he said. “It just comes naturally to them.”
Sheppard hopes the experience of playing in the provincial championships will add to the team’s already-strong work ethic, while continuing to teach them the game’s basics. “I just try to get them to understand what it takes to be competitive.”
At the same time, the coach hopes to further instil a sense of pride – the Adam Scott spirit. “That in itself is gratifying, too.”
The championships are being hosted by Niagara Regional Police, Brock University and Special Olympics Ontario.
NOTE: To watch games live streamed, visit www.sooschoolchampionships2017.ca.