SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEAMS STATE-BOUND

2 basketball teams advance to tournament in Bowling Green

Geauga County Special Olympics basketball athletes are making history, after two of the male teams qualified for the state tournament.

“This is the first time ever that both teams have made it to the final four in the same year,” said Bonnie Veleba. “I think it’s just awesome. They’re an amazing, diverse group.”

The players range from age 18 to 64.

Veleba, who is the Geauga County Board of Development Disabilities recreation manager, said the athletes worked very hard.

The Division 3 team’s record this season is 11 -1, while the Division 5 squad is 7-1.

Coach Bob McGregor said the lifelong skills the players gain is far more important than the competition.

“They have such great sportsmanship,” McGregor said. “We’ve been complimented so many times about how well they conduct themselves, whether winning or losing. Tragedies and victories happen in life and this is a good way to learn about them.”

Both teams practice together once a week.

“They’re all one,” Veleba said. “Everyone helps each other, especially the Division 3 players, with the

“They have such great sportsmanship. We’ve been complimented so many times about how well they conduct themselves, whether winning or losing.” — Geauga County Special Olympics Coach Bob McGregor

higher athletic ability. The skills they learn here carries over into the community.”

In between basketball drills during practice, Mike Hurt said he is excited about advancing to state.

“I hope we win,” the 29-year-old said.

The Special Olympics provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community, according to the Special Olympics Ohio website.

The state tournament will be held March 24 to 25 in Bowling Green, Ohio.

TAWANA ROBERTS — THE NEWS-HERALD Coach Bob McGregor instructs the players during practice on March 22 at the Metzenbaum Center in Chester Township.

TAWANA ROBERTS — THE NEWS-HERALD Two Geauga Special Olympics basketball teams practice on March 22 at the Metzenbaum Center in Chester Township.