HAYS – There was more March madness in Hays this past weekend as members of the Storm Special Olympics teams took part in the 35-annual Special Olympics State Basketball and Cheerleading Competition.
The Storm, which is made up of athletes from Barton County and the surrounding area, participated in events Thursday through Saturday at Fort Hays State University’s Gross Memorial Coliseum, Hays High School and the Hays Recreation Center. There were 52 Storm special Olympians competing, along with numerous coaches, parents and other volunteers.
According to Kansas Special Olympic Senior Vice President of Sports Tim Rehder, who spoke during the opening ceremonies Thursday night at the coliseum, the tournament included over 100 teams and 1,600 athletes. They participated in either the cheer competition or the 180-plus basketball games that spanned the three-days. Over 400 volunteers also helped.
In addressing the throng of competitors gathered in Gross Memorial, Hays Mayor Barbara Wasinger read the Special Olympics oath: "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." Also, during the opening ceremony, the Barton Community College Cheerleaders and Dance Line performed.
As for the contests, two cheer squads and four of the roundball teams were a part of the Storm, and all came home with awards.
The cheerleaders, who competed Thursday, earned gold medals. The teams are coached by Erika Julian.
Storm members are divided into basketball teams based on skill levels from level four all the way up to fast break.
The level four team (the Hurricanes), coached by Stephanie Galusha, Kelly Reed and Dot Slack, came in third and brought home the bronze.
The lower level three team (the Thunder), coached by Dale Hogg and Rick Julian, took first and brought home gold medals.
The upper level three team (the Tornado), coached by Jim Boehnke and Richard Stanley, came in fourth.
The level two fast-break team (the Lightening), coached by Harold Thorne, and Dan and Ginger Maes, took second place and claimed silver medals.
In addition to the basketball games, several of the Storm athletes took part in a skills competition (including dribbling and shooting). Many of the competitors brought home medals and ribbons from these events as well.
