PHOTOS: Inaugural basketball tournament a rebounding success

Journal Staff The competitive intensity is evident on the faces of Sarnia’s Angela Sauve, right, and an unidentified Woodstock Thunder player as they battle for ball possession.

Journal Staff

The competition was intense and the joy palpable when Special Olympics Sarnia hosted its inaugural basketball tournament at St. Patrick’s High School.

Two Sarnia Heat teams squared off against squads from London, Tillsonburg, Woodstock and LaSalle last month with more than 100 athletes in attendance.

“Overall, it was just an absolutely amazing day,” said coordinator Tana Manchester.

“As soon as I walked into the gym I couldn’t stop smiling and I don’t think I stopped all day.  It was just an overall feel-good day.”

Some of the games drew crowds of up to 100 people including family, friends, teachers and assistants, cheering the athletes on from the stands.

“Looking into the crowd and seeing someone they knew – their faces just lit up,” Manchester said.

Many businesses helped out financially, supported by a large team of volunteers that included coaches, referees, Lambton College EMS students and scorekeeping high school students.

“Everyone had a job to do and all worked together to make the day seamless,” Manchester said. (I’m) super proud of our team for hosting such a top-notch basketball tournament.”

For more on Special Olympics Sarnia, including how to get involved, email [email protected].