TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
Boston encouraged his team in dribbling and shooting. He coached them on rebounding both offensively and defensively. “They did exactly what I told them to do and were happy to do it,” Coach Boston said proudly. “These guys played their hearts out, and I knew we had something special going on.” The brand new team won their first game that day but lost the second as they made the tying basket right after the buzzer sounded. It didn’t matter, though. The bar was set. Running with the momentum from the win in Foreman, practices began. Most athletes will admit they prefer competition over practice and training, but not the Sensational Seven. They committed all they had to their strength training regimen with Allen twice a week. She designed exercises to enhance the team’s daily life skills while fostering socialization through teamwork and competition. The guys also reveled in their basketball practices at the Texarkana Boys and Girls Club. Despite the challenges they face, their love for the game of basketball kept their focus sharp and recall of skills learned in practice even sharper. “It was simply amazing,” Boston said with a smile. The team members gave their all in practice because they had one goal in mind—the Special Olympics Arkansas Tournament of Champions. Total Medical Supply (TMS) of Texarkana heard about the All Abilities team and their quest for the Arkansas Championship. They were so impressed that they sponsored the team and bought them uniforms to wear at the state tournament. Due, in part, to local support, the All Abilities team was hyped as they headed to Benton, Arkansas, to compete for the championship. Once arriving in Benton, the team discovered they weren’t alone in their enthusiasm. 47 other teams had entered the tournament. Not letting intimidation become a factor, the team easily won their first divisional game that day. That set them up for bracket play the next day. With their first win under their belts, the team attended the opening ceremony coordinated by the Special Olympics Committee, followed by a dance. Coach Boston and Allen both laugh and agree the Sensational Seven poured as much effort
Jamell Foate draws plays on the gym floor during a timeout, with his teammates nodding in agreement.
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