Basketball Stories

As many of you may know, the sole charity of support from proceeds to The Big John Kahuna Classic is the Special Olympics Michigan State basketball finals.  During the past three years, programming changes have dropped it from a three day finals to a one day tournament.  Much was lost for the athletes including the championship experience, opening and closing ceremonies, a victory dance, and trophies. 

Here are a few stories that were shared with me showing the importance of these games:

Clint started Special Olympics somewhere between third and fifth grade. At first, I was the protective mom who didn’t want her son out of her sight. When Clint began participating, I saw an incredible difference not only in Clint, but also in myself.

Seeing the kids together is amazing. They’re like a family and they’re an incredible group of people. Clint has become more confident, talks to everybody and is proud of himself. He’s also willing to take more chances – even giving speeches, something he doesn’t like to do. Without the weekend tournament, the athletes do not have as many opportunities to go places. Clint is losing touch with his friends because he doesn’t get to see everyone as often.

Lorilee – Mother, Grand Rapids

The overnight events are so special to the athletes and their families. For many of the athletes who are in group homes it is often their only chance to have a night away from home.

As a parent and coach, I know how much these special people appreciate these events and talk about them for years.

What makes the full weekend events so special is not just the athletic competition but the extra time it gives for opening and closing ceremonies, dances and meals which creates special social relationships between the athletes and their parents, friends, relatives and chaperones. It makes it truly an Olympic event!

Dorane – Parent and Coach, Caledonia

My brother, Mick, has been a participant in Special Olympics Michigan most of his life. His favorite sport has always been basketball. Although, I have many great memories of watching my brother play basketball, my most memorable Special Olympics Michigan moment was provided by another athlete.

It was during the State basketball tournament some years ago. Mick’s team was playing in Grand Rapids. One of the players on the opposing team was very challenged both physically and mentally. This individual had a difficult time following the flow of the game and may not have been able to tell you which basket he should be shooting at. Because of his ability, he didn’t get to play many minutes.

Unfortunately, one of his teammates was fouled and injured while attempting a lay-up. The injury didn’t allow the fouled player to attempt the free throws. The coach gave this challenged teammate the opportunity at the free throw line. The first attempt was a two-handed, between the legs, thirty feet high shot that didn’t come within ten feet of the basket. The second attempt was the same two-handed, between the legs, thirty feet high shot except this shot saw nothing but net.

This young man, his team, the opposing team, and the crowd went absolutely nuts. The reaction was more pure joy than any Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals or Stanley Cup that I have ever seen. Unlike most events where there is a losing team and their disappointed fans, not a single person in the gym was disappointed by the victory they had just witnessed. The crowd gave this young man a standing ovation and for one day, this special athlete felt a sense of accomplishment, joy and elation that he had previously only been able to imagine.

David – Family Member, Grand Rapids

Every day our daughter Sarah brings to our family a renewed sense of devotion, affection and uplifting of the spirit. As she continues her journey, our family rejoices. In teaching and coaching these special individuals I am very positive they’ll be able to bring those same qualities to our community. Bringing 2,000 of them together in Grandville for the State Basketball Tournament finals will help our community see how special these athletes can be to all of us.

Lori – Parent, Teacher and Coach, Grandville

The irony of Special Olympics is that while participating in Special Olympic programs, the athletes – for one weekend – aren’t special. Anyone who has walked into a room full of people who faced the same challenges and experiences you yourself have faced in your life, can understand the comfort that comes from meeting, not just one person, but hundreds who share stories similar to your own. For this weekend, our athletes aren’t just Special. They’re Olympians.

John Schelling (1954 - 2005) – The Big Kahuna, Caledonia

Please feel free to email us with your favorite memory of the SOMI Basketball Championship in the Grand Rapids area. Your submission may be put here for others to enjoy.