UMaine hosts Special Olympics’ Central Maine Basketball Tournament

ORONO, Maine (WABI) - Over 200 athletes had a ball Saturday as Special Olympics Maine held their annual Central Maine Basketball Tournament.

University of Maine’s Memorial Gym provided the perfect place to play with teams or work on individual skills, says Special Olympics Maine’s Sports and Programs Manager Sarah Phelps.

“We have two different splits. We have our traditional five-on-five all athlete competition that’s in here and also in The Pit. So it’s all athletes competing against each other,” Phelps explains. “Then we have another division called Unified which is athletes and partners. So, it’s really special to see everybody’s just included and it’s really fun.”

One rookie unified team made their debut this year: The Shooting Stars cheerleaders!

The cheer squad is coached by Bennett Meister, 19, who has a background in both cheer and coaching unified sports.

“I’m a unified partner and a coach for seven different Special O sports,” says Meister. “My sister has been in Special Olympics for several years, and so I’m really just looking to give an opportunity for more people and more athletes since there is no cheer in the state of Maine right now.”

Meister adds that cheer provides a great way for Special Olympians to get active even if they don’t play sports like basketball: “Athletics are great for your physical and your mental health. And I’ve noticed with a lot of my clients that it gives them joy.”

Building joy, athletic pride and community were the names of the game Saturday.

Alongside athletes, Phelps credits volunteers like the UMaine Women’s Basketball team, Maine Principal’s Association and Brewer ROTC for making the tournament possible.

“They’re building community, they’re having fun. They’re showing off their skills. It’s really special and we’re happy to put on an event that kind of highlights their talents,” Phelps describes of the significance of Saturday.

For many, Special Olympics Maine is a great way to stay active while forging new friendships.

“I love it!” Athlete Dale Hall says about the program. “I enjoy being out, being with all your friends, doing everything with all of our staff we had here today.”

“They’re like a family to me,” comments Amanda Weston, another long-time Special Olympics athlete, about the connections created. “It is so important to the community because it helps us grow better!”

This sentiment is echoed by Special Olympic athlete Destiny Winslow, who says the largest takeaways she gains from her participation are: “The friends, community, the teamwork.”

As Special Olympics Maine gears up for their summer competition beginning in June, Phelps says they are always looking for new volunteers, coaches and athletes to join the team.

For more information on Special Olympics Maine, visit their website.

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