Special Olympics joined together with the Kitsap community and nearby military bases to hold the first qualifying basketball tournament for special needs athletes at the Kitsap Sun Pavilion, Jan. 30.

The Kitsap Sun Pavilion has hosted Special Olympics events for more than 30 years, but this was the first time it held qualifiers for the upcoming regional tournament.

"We're providing more competition by converting the tournament into qualifiers," said Justin Kautz, Northwest Regional manager for Special Olympics. "The athletes play more games. Rather than just staying here, they have the opportunity to join the regional tournament in Vancouver or even join the state tournament."

Thirteen teams competed with a roster of six to eight members per team, totaling an estimated 300 athletes playing in the qualifiers.

"What makes this so awesome to me is there are so many volunteers here and Special Olympics wants more," said Kautz. "We like that volunteers come in, take charge of the events and come together as a community."

Service members from all over the Northwest Region also joined the volunteer roster. Naval Hospital Bremerton has been volunteering for the past six years, including for the Washington State Special Olympics Summer games.

"I enjoy volunteering and coming out to assist the athletes," said Yeoman 3rd Class Britany Schloth, Naval Hospital Bremerton. "Coming out and helping our community is an honor and privilege that we take pride in."

Teams from all over the Northwest Region played hard during the qualifying matches.

"I believe the teams were evenly matched and it was great watching them out on the court having a good time," said Bruce Beyers, head coach of the South Kitsap Nitros. "Even though we lost, it was good to see the teams play with so much spirit."

After the games, teams were awarded medals and were ranked to move on to the regional tournament.

"This is a fabulous opportunity to put athletic skills along with social skills together with a team," said Barbara Pool, program coordinator. "I believe teaching sports and keeping our athletes active is better than leaving them alone."

With smiles and handshakes, the tournament concluded.

"I enjoyed playing today and I've been with Special Olympics since 1984," said Paul Dour, a member of the South Kitsap Thunderbolts. "I love sports and was unable to play in high school, [but] Special Olympics gave me a chance. So I took it and haven't stopped yet."

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