Special Olympics: District basketball tournament set in Trenton

Families, volunteers and spectators will be cheering on Special Olympics Illinois athletes as they compete in the District H Basketball Competition and Individual Skills on Sunday, Jan. 31 at Wesclin High School and Middle School in Trenton.

Teams from Areas 9, 12, 14 and 15 will be among those competing in team play. The competition will begin at 9 a.m. and will have games throughout the day (until approximately 5 p.m). Opening Ceremonies will be held at 10:15 a.m. with the Trenton Knights of Columbus Council 2932 presenting the flag. Teams will be announced and the Wesclin Dance team and Pep Band will be performing. In addition to team competitions, individual athletes from Special Olympics Illinois Southwestern Area 12 will compete in individual skills, including dribbling, shooting and passing. This competition will also begin immediately following Opening Ceremonies.

Gold-medal teams and skills athletes will be eligible to attend the Special Olympics Illinois State Basketball Tournament in Normal on March 11-13.

The public is invited to watch the competition and experience the joy of achievement by Special Olympics athletes. Concessions and souvenirs will be available. Admission is free.

If you are interested in learning more about Special Olympics Illinois, volunteering or providing financial support to help make Special Olympics programs possible, contact area director Justin Dunning at jdunning@soill.org or call 654-6680.

This story was originally published January 27, 2016 at 3:14 AM with the headline "Special Olympics: District basketball tournament set in Trenton."