The Shadow
On Friday, February 24th, the Area 18 Special Olympics Team traveled to Henrico County to compete in the Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament. For the local Area 18 Special Olympics Team, their road to the State Basketball Tournament in Henrico County was paved by their hard work, dedication, and unmatched athleticism. It was also brightened by the lights of the community who, time and time again, has shown up to support these powerhouses along the way. It was a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, as the team trained tirelessly to compete at the highest level.
From the numerous practices put in by the competitors to the late-night strategy sessions of the coaches, it is evident that each and every one of them poured their hearts and souls into preparing for the much-awaited tournament. Each player brought their own unique set of skills and talents to the court, pushing themselves to new heights and supporting their teammates along the way, while coaches looked on for ways to improve and grow their athletes.
As the tournament drew near, excitement and anticipation filled the air. Coaches Ruth Britt and Ben Nicely —among others— alongside volunteers, supporters, parents, local police, and more, all rallied behind them, providing encouragement and motivation every step of the way. Their journey was not just about winning games; it was about coming together as a team and community to celebrate the abilities and accomplishments of these incredible athletes.
The Area 18 Special Olympics teams are made up of individuals from Alleghany County, Bath County, the town of Clifton Forge, and the city of Covington, with Ruth Britt being their coordinator. In a recent interview, Britt boasted about her teams’ names, affectionately known as the Mountaineers and the Cougars. Given the former and longtime rivalry that once existed between the Alleghany Mountaineers and the Covington Cougars, it is evident what inspired her team names. Nicely, on the other hand, named his team the “Highlanders;” a likely nod to the Alleghany Highlands from where most, if not all, of his athletes reside. Some of them compete full court while others compete half court, but all have the same goal in mind, which Britt shared with us during a sit-down interview. That goal is none other than the Special Olympics motto: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
However, during their 2-day stint at the Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament, the Area 18 teams did quite a bit of winning. On their first day, they competed in 2 qualifying games; the first was against the Area 14 Loudoun Thunder while, in the second, they squared off against the Area 2 Blue Devils. In their game against the Loudoun Thunder, Nicely’s Highlanders took home the victory, 12-2. In their follow-up game against the Blue Devils, the Highlanders showed just how tough they were when they walked away with an 8-0 shutout. It was merely day one and these athletes were already 2-0.
Area 18 also competed in the state skills competition, with several athletes walking away with personal victories. Said Highlanders’ Coach Ben Nicely, “It was a very successful weekend. We had a great time. Two of our athletes medaled in the individuals. We had a bronze, Rocky Britt, and gold was Jamie Atkins. And then in half-court, we actually have two teams: the Mountaineers and the Cougars. The half-court Cougars competed, and they got gold and then the Mountaineers competed and got silver. Of course, our full court team [Highlanders], we competed, and we ended up with bronze. From what I understood, it was over a thousand athletes and over 100 different games going on in a day and a half, so it was pretty impressive. We’re excited. These guys were champions before they left, but when they came back, they solidified that when they brought back some medals. I think that’s awesome.”
The journey of Area 18 to the Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament in Henrico County has left a resounding impact on both the community and the team members and it is an impact that is truly remarkable. This voyage has continued to bring the community together in support of these dedicated athletes and has served as a profound and inspiring example of perseverance, teamwork, and determination.
For the community, the success of our local Special Olympics Team sparks a sense of pride and unity. Residents have come together to cheer on the athletes whenever they return home from competing on a road trip. It was not that long ago when the team returned from Virginia Beach and Alleghany County residents stood in the grass in front of the Hardee’s in Clifton Forge, eagerly awaiting the police escort that marked the end of the athlete’s travels, all to show their unwavering support to this tremendous group of players. Their success not only brings tears of joy and a childlike excitement to the community, but it also highlights the importance of inclusivity and support for those who live with —as my decades-long friend has always called it— “diff-abilities.”
For the athletes themselves, the journey to the State Basketball Tournament has likely been a transformative experience and one filled with challenges but painted with success. It has provided them with the opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities, build their confidence, and form lasting friendships with teammates and coaches all year ‘round, not just during basketball season. The journey has taught them valuable lessons in teamwork, sportsmanship, and resilience, infusing them with confidence and a sense of accomplishment that will remain deep inside them long after the buzzer sounds to finalize the tournament.
Overall, the impact of the Area 18 Special Olympics Team’s journey and successes marked by medals of gold, silver, and bronze, will leave a lasting imprint that will go far beyond the State Basketball Tournament and even further beyond the basketball court. They have touched the hearts of the community, inspired us all, and both empowered and encouraged the athletes to soar to new heights both on and off the court.
Looking ahead, the Area 18 Special Olympics Team has undoubtedly set new goals to strive for next year as they gear up to take on another new challenge as the frost of winter transforms to dew that falls on the petals of tulips and daisies, marking the long-awaited arrival of Spring. With new seasons comes new challenges and, of course, another new sport to play. Area 18 will soon be gearing up to take on softball and rising to the occasion that sport may bring.
In the meantime, let us congratulate the Area 18 Special Olympics Team for a job well done at the State Basketball Tournament this year, particularly the successes of Jamie Atkins, Rocky Britt, the Highlanders’ full-court team, the Cougars’ half-court team, and the Mountaineers’ half-court team for achieving gold, bronze, bronze, gold, and silver, respectively.
The journey of Area 18 is a true testament to the power of teamwork, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of sportsmanship. Let their successes in the State Basketball Tournament inspire us all to push boundaries, break barriers, and strive for greatness in all that we do. Here’s to our local special Olympics athletes who continue to shine brightly wherever they go and who teach us all to reach for the stars. Congratulations!
