By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The first time was a success. Special Olympics Kansas held its West Region Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament in Great Bend for the first time last year. West Region Director Brent Kaiser said the event returns to Great Bend on Saturday, Feb. 24. Volunteers made a huge impact last time and are again needed this year.
"Great Bend was great," Kaiser said. "They came and helped us tremendously. We had great volunteers. The people that come out, we typically see a lot of smiles, a lot of fun. They seem to really enjoy their day. A lot of times, when people come out and volunteer, they say, 'We'll be back next year.'"
Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Panther Athletic Center. A special opening ceremony will follow, then the action kicks off with a basketball skills competition. At the same time, volunteers will be needed to judge a cheerleading competition. Kaiser expects more Special Olympics participants this year.
"Last year, I believe we had 200 Special Olympics athletes and coaches who participated in the event," he said. "This year, we're expecting a handful more than that, probably closer to 225-250 as we continue to grow and get people back from COVID."
Basketball teams will play two games and be seeded for the tournament based on those games. Volunteers are needed to run the scoreboard from 2-6 p.m. or earlier depending on the number of teams participating.
Volunteers are still needed for virtually all activities, from check-in to first aid, individual skills, officiating, photography, and scorekeeping. All volunteers will receive a t-shirt. Anyone 12 years of age or older can volunteer, but those aged 12-15 must have adult supervision. All equipment is provided by Special Olympics Kansas.
CLICK HERE to view a list of available volunteer spots.