Special Olympics Kansas
The Arc of Central Plains/Hays Buffaloes will be sending 70 athletes to the annual Special Olympics Kansas (SOKS) State Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament in Hays on March 21 and 22.
More than 4,000 athletes, coaches, volunteers, and fans from around the state will come together for one of the largest events for individuals of all ages with intellectual disabilities in the state.
The team qualified for the state tournament through their participation in a regional tournament in Great Bend. The regional tournament followed more than eight weeks of training by the athletes.
“Special Olympics Kansas is extremely proud of all of our athletes that put in months of training to prepare for this event,” said President and CEO John Lair. “It is a thrill for us to be able to share the abilities and joy of competition and inclusion exhibited by our athletes.”
This year marks the 53rd year of basketball for Special Olympics Kansas.
The state basketball and cheerleading weekend festivities include traditional 5v5 competition, cheerleading, opening ceremonies, individual skills competitions, free health screenings and a dinner and dance.
The Special Olympics Kansas State Basketball Tournament is supported by long-time presenting sponsor, the Kansas State Council of the Knights of Columbus, as well as event sponsors Knights of Columbus, Park N Go, Kansas State Bank, CornerStone Orthodontics, Fort Hays, Walmart/Sam's Club, Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit Manhattan, Hays Medical Center, Hays Recreation Center. Statewide sponsors of Special Olympics Kansas include Sunderland Foundation, Club Car Wash, and Heartland Coca-Cola.
To find out how you can support Buffaloes, contact Tiffany Schulte at [email protected].