Isfeld Secondary hosted the Comox Valley’s second annual Special Olympics 3-on-3 basketball tournament April 13. Around 40 students from high schools in Courtenay, Port Alberni, Nanaimo and Parksville took part.
Randy James, a co-ordinator with Comox Valley Special Olympics, said the initiative originally stemmed from Ontario and is “in its infancy stages” in B.C.
“It’s basically getting everybody into the spirit of Special Olympics, introducing them to some competition, and allowing them the opportunity to wear their school’s jersey or colours and compete against their peers,” said James.
Vanier Secondary hosted the inaugural tournament last year.
James — a work experience co-ordinator at Isfeld — said the tournament provides students an opportunity to showcase their skills to the rest of the school body, as well as the greater community.
“Students with intellectual disabilities don’t seem to have the same advantages or opportunities as other athletes or individuals within our community,” he said. “People rally behind them and see what they’re actually capable of. We really want them to shine and demonstrate their abilities.”
Teams from five secondary schools competed in the tournament: Two teams each from Isfeld and Vanier, two teams from Port Alberni, a team from Nanaimo North and a team from Ballenas Secondary.
Mark Isfeld diverse needs teacher Kari Bennett coached the two Isfeld teams. She said the tournament provided a great opportunity for her students to “show how amazing they are.”
“They have incredible basketball skills, they’re wonderful teammates, and they’ve learned a lot about the game of basketball and being together over the last two months or so,” she said.
Nanaimo North ultimately won the A Division of the tournament. Vanier B won the B division.
