Area26 SPECIAL update!!

March 2020 | Issue 7.2

Let me win, but if I cannot win, Let me be brave in the attempt. Area 26 Website From the Editor... This is a special edition of the Newsletter about the 2020 Special Olympics Virginia Basketball State Championships. AREA 26 DOMINATES THE 2020 SOVA BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS CEREMONIES With the Gecko... Ready to Rumble Lighting the Flame  Triple-Gold Medalist Jay Choi Friday, March 6th Jay Choi, champion speed skater at the Swedish Test Trials and Area 26 Legend , was selected to bring the flame to the games for the Champs tourney. Jay, escorted by the Police Delegation from the Law Enforcement Torch Run group, rounded the arena and ascended the stairs to light the big Torch. Let the Games Begin!!

Bound for Glory

15 Teams from Area 26 were selected to participate in the State Games after placing first in their Divisions for the Season: Davis Diamonds Fairfax Bulls Fantastics Blue  Gold Rush Green Machine  Langley Wizards  Legends Mason Nation McLean Bulls Mighty Titans  Pride Screaming Eagles Stars TC United Wakefield HS Unified Coaches, athletes, families, friends, and volunteers all made their way down I-95 to Stafford for the big finish to the Hoops season.

The annual two-day event filled the arena for Opening Ceremonies and venues all over the Stafford area hosted matches for the competitive round. In this newsletter are some of the highlights of the weekend. For more pictures and results, click the button to go to our special webpage dedicated to the event. 2020 State Basketball Championships Website

Assessment Day and Opening Ceremonies

Friday afternoon all contestants and coaches gathered at Colonial Forge HS in Stafford for the annual assessment session. This series of 6 minute games is intended to level-set the various regions so that Division 1 to Division 15 look the same in match pairings. Each team played two games before getting cleaned up for Opening Ceremonies. The teams all then settled in for a meal before the evening's festivities Meanwhile back at the ranch... HOD Elaine Tilton arranged for over 200 beds and meals to make sure the athletes were ready to go!

A number of Area 26 athletes from the Mighty Titans then went on to play in the annual Unified Exhibition Game as the evening opener, cheered on by the incredible fans of the Area 26 Delegation... Ready for the Party!!

A Special Honor NBA Cares Star Chris Carter was given special recognition during the halftime of the Exhibition Game for his skill, courage and game winning performance. SOVA Chair Rick Jeffries said that Chris's coach called him personally to praise Chris as one of the most humble and professional athletes she had ever dealt with. Chris's performance reflects great credit on himself, Area 26 and Special Olympics VA.

Area 26 can only support athletes at events like this with donations from familes, friends and supporters - please consider giving. You can find out how HERE .

SOVA Gameday...

After a good night's sleep, and a big breakfast...

...the teams shot out of the Holiday Inn Fredericksburg to sites all over Stafford for their Divisional matches. The action was intense, and the ENTIRE delegation gave their all. Everyone should be very proud of their performance and accomplishments!!

Langley Wizards GMU Green Machine GMU Pride GMU Mason Nation Fantastics Blue Legends McLean Bulls GMU Stars

Mighty Titans GMU Gold Rush Fairfax Bulls Screaming Eagles Wakefield Unified TC United Davis Diamonds Action photos and more highlights are on the special webpage for the Championships... click the button!! 2020 State Basketball Championships Website

Special Thanks...

Area 26 would like to thank the Coaches, volunteers and family fans for helping to make the Games special for our athletes. Your support is most appreciated!