TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
into dancing as they did into basketball. It was an expression of happiness for them, no matter who was watching. The next day, bracket play in the Special Olympics Tournament of Champions began, and the Texarkana team was on fire. They dribbled, passed, shot, and rebounded the ball, just like their coaches had shown them in practice. According to Coach Boston, Eddie Webb made attempts at three pointers from crazy places on the court that would have impressed Steph Curry. During a timeout, the tallest player on the team, Jamell Foate, quickly designed and drew out plays on the floor with all his teammates nodding their heads in agreement. The coaches admit they still have no idea what kinds of plays Foate was drawing or what kind of basketball voodoo the guys were consenting to, but it worked. The Texarkana All Abilities basketball team won third place in the Special Olympics Tournament of Champions. The Sensational Seven and their coaches, local sponsors, and family members met at the We Are Washington Community Development Center to celebrate their win. Each athlete received an individual award.
The Sensational Seven won third place at the Special Olympics Tournament of Champions in Arkansas.
• DYNAMIC DRIBBLER—Wesley Canipe • LOUD AND PROUD—Jonathan Richards
• INTENSE DEFENSE —Cory Gray • AWESOME OFFENSE —Ron Seay • SUPER CELEBRATIONS—Eddie Webb • ROUGH AND TOUGH REBOUNDER—Jamell Foate • HURRICANE HUSTLER—Corey Williams Total Medical Supply also bought each team member brand- new Nike basketball shoes. The guys were on top of the world. The All Abilities basketball team made lasting memories in the Tournament of Champions. That is what the team members will keep forever, but it’s the coaches, helpers, and sponsors who learned the real lessons. “I went into this just wanting these guys to have their own space and their own moment in time,” said Allen, “but they brought the joy of basketball back to me.” When Boston spoke at the awards ceremony, he said, “I had several coaches come up to me during the tournament and tell me how much they enjoyed watching my team play. That’s a big compliment, but this is not my team. This is our team. I’m a coach and a friend to all of you guys.”
The award ceremony revealed the closest thing to Heaven on Earth—no haughty judgments, no differences in skin color, no opposing political opinions, and no contrasting social classes. These men don’t wake up in bad moods or worry about tomorrow. When it comes to living in the moment, they are rock stars and express their happiness regardless of what others think. By reciting the Special Olympics Athlete Oath aloud, these guys experience joy in its purest form. “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” This team is seven guys, whom the world considers “different,” reaping their well-deserved benefits. Texarkana All Abilities Basketball would like to recognize Felisha Johnson and Travon May for their unwavering support of the team. Thank you to Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages for donating swag bags. Also, a big shout out to Madeline Haak, Jasmine Bruce Cree, Reggie Myrks, Megan Palowski, and Total Medical Supply for all their generous contributions.
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