On March 14, the Mesquite Program of Special Olympics Nevada (SON) made the long drive into Las Vegas to compete and take the gold in their annual basketball tournament. Athletes were able to compete on the basketball team or in individual skills events, with all participants ultimately taking home medals.

Hopeful competitors for the Mesquite Program of SON started practicing in January, focusing on either individual skills or team play. Mesquite-based athletes left at 6 a.m., stopping at the Moapa Valley off-ramp to pick up the Logandale and Overton-based athletes before arriving at Legacy High School at 7:30 a.m. Competitions continued through the day, ending around 2 p.m.

Debbie Dorn, area director of the Mesquite branch, shared, “As always, they put in 100%. If you haven’t seen a Special Olympics event, you’re missing out. It’s their time to shine, and they all do it in their own special way.”

Individual skills competitions were aimed toward those who excel in particular skills, such as bounce passes, chest passes, dribbling and shooting baskets in a game of Horse. All members of the individual skills team took home medals, with several claiming gold.

Meanwhile, the basketball team blazed through their own competition. Despite having to play two games back-to-back, the Mesquite team eventually came out on top, beating two Las Vegas-based teams.

All Mesquite Program athletes’ scores were as follows:

Individual Gold: Amanda Lewis, Jeffrey Hughes, Ryleigh McMurray

Individual Silver: Katherine Wright, Tessa Totten

Individual Bronze: Eric Milledge, Sheeba Coleman

Basketball Team: Jarod Naccarato, Mark Welch, Alexander Wheaton, Jeremy Murray, Keaton Hill, Denton Dorn, Lane Miller, Maggie Whitmore

Basketball coaches included Mike Dorn, Tanner Killmer and Brandon McMurtrey.

SON is an organization that provides programs and opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities, with a focus in sports. The programs continue throughout the year, offering a wide array of sports for athletes in the program. Debbie Dorn also shared that the Mesquite Program is in the midst of its busy season. Current sports include bocce ball, swimming, and track and field, with their respective competitions scheduled for early May. Their most popular sport, bowling, is slated to begin soon. Nearly every one of the 30-plus Mesquite athletes show up and participate.

Athletes six years and older who are interested in joining Special Olympics Nevada can apply at sonv.org/athletes/. Applying is free. SON Mesquite is also always looking for volunteers and individuals willing to coach. Those interested in volunteering can also sign up on the website, or contact Debbie Dorn directly at 435-229-8540.