|
|
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,"
is the motto of Special Olympics Athletes across the world.
Canton School District supports two teams for basketball and a track team. Head Coach Greg Stephenson has coached for three years. Both basketball teams brought home gold medals from the State Special Olympics Basketball Tournament held at Illinois State University in March 2007. Every member of the track team qualified to participate in the summer games held in June. Fifteen medals were earned including 11 gold medals. The team received a surprise welcome home from the Canton Fire Department.
Press Release
Canton Special Olympics athletes, others participate in first Canton tournament
Published: Thursday, December 13, 2007 11:04 AM CST in Canton Daily Ledger
Special Olympic Athletes from teams across central Illinois gathered at Canton High School on Saturday, Dec. 8 to play in the First Canton Holiday Hoops Tournament.The tournament, organized by Canton Special Olympics Coach Greg Stephenson, marked the first ever tournament to be hosted by Canton.Twelve teams participated including Macomb Midnight Mayhem and Macomb Knockouts; from Peori, HISRA Cubs and HISRA Lions,; St. Mary’s from Galesburg; Rushville Rockets; Canton Purple and Canton Gold; Dunlap Eagles; and two teams new to Fulton County representing Fulton County Rehabilitation Center.“We had some very close scoring games and some that weren’t so close," Stephenson remarked “But for those who attended and watched the joy in the players faces - you knew every player left a winner and that is what Special Olympics is all about.”Over 40 volunteers are credited with helping make the Holiday Hoops tournament not only possible but successful as well, says Stephenson.Volunteers included students from Canton High School, graduates of Canton High school, members of the Canton Fire Department, staff of Lincoln Elementary School, and the parents of the Canton athletes. “We are so thankful for our volunteers who handled everything from registration, refereeing, time and score keeping, selling raffle tickets, and the organization and manning of the concession stand for the day’s events. It was their dedication, support and willingness to give of their time and talents that really helped the day’s events be a success,” emphasizes Stephenson.Coach Stephenson would also recognized the local sponsors of the Holiday tournament. “Our local businesses really stepped up to help us out and we are extremely grateful to them. Mel’s Sporting Goods donated Canton Holiday Hoops t-shirts for all of the players and volunteers while Monical’s Pizza donated pizza to feed all 150 athletes a lunch. Other sponsors include Papa John’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Subway, Coca Cola of Macomb, Maui Jim Sunglasses, County Market, Aramark, Central Illinois Irrigation, and Shirley Harris who donated 3 dolls for the raffle."Stephenson says that organizers are thanksful for the numerous sponsors, which made the event possible.Special Olympics programs are designed to provide athletes with the opportunities to develop necessary sport skills as well as the benefits of self esteem, physical fitness and socialization.Basketball was first introduced in Illinois in 1975. Basketball became an officially recognized sport of Special Olympics at the first Special Olympics International Games in Chicago in 1968.Athletes in Illinois who participate in team competition compete locally at a district event. Individual Skills participants also compete locally in Area Qualifying events. Teams or individuals who win a gold medal are eligible to advance to the State Basketball Tournament held in Normal in March.When asked about another tournament, Coach Stephenson remarked “The tournament was a lot of fun. Everyone walked away a winner. Mark your calendars now for the second weekend of December 2008, and join us for the Second Annual Canton Holiday Hoops tournament. We’ll definitely do it again."For those want to support Canton Special Olympics,the next home gamewill be played on Thursday, Dec. 20 at Ingersoll Gym. They will play FCRC. Game times are 6 P.M. and 7 pm.