Kennett Special Olympics Team slated to host tournament Apr. 7

The Kennett Indians Special Olympics team consisting of 3rd - 8th grade athletes will be hosting the First Annual Special Olympics Basketball Exhibition Tournament in Kennett. The event will be held on Saturday, April 7th, and will be held at the Kennett Middle School gym.

There will be lots of competition with a 3-on-3 basketball tournament and team skills competition for the athletes. There will also be events for the community to participate in. In addition to cheering on their Kennett Indians Special Olympics team during competition, event goers will have the opportunity to watch the Ultimate Twirlers perform; watch a demonstration by the Kennett High School Robotics team; and participate in the Free Throw Shot Competition taken care of by KHS STARS.

The event will begin at 10 a.m. with the Opening Ceremony. The Opening Ceremony will include the presentation of the Special Olympics torch; the singing of the National Anthem by students from South Elementary and the introduction of our Special Olympics athletes.

Then the competition will begin. The day will continue with competition and community events. It will conclude in the afternoon with the Presentation of Medals to our Special Olympics athletes!

“Our district, school, and community have been so supportive of our team,” said Melissa Wayne, Special Olympics Coach/South Elementary Teacher. “We are extremely excited to be able to host this event here so everyone can come and experience a small part of what Special Olympics means to our athletes,” she added.

There is a $1 admission fee and the concession stand will be open. “We would like to give a special thanks to the KMS Kindness group for all they have done to support the event and for running the concession stand for us,” Wayne said. “There will also be t-shirts available for sale,” she added.

Wayne said all proceeds will benefit the local Special Olympics team who is preparing to compete in area Special Olympics Track and Field events. “They will be traveling to Poplar Bluff on Friday, April 20th to compete in area competition,” Wayne said. “Athletes who qualify will have the opportunity to go to the State Summer Games and they will travel to Missouri State University in Springfield, MO to compete there the first weekend in June,” she added.

Wayne said she would like to extend a thank you to everyone who has supported the Special Olympics athletes and they hope to see you there on Saturday.