UPDATE: Warriors of The Woodlands win silver at Special Olympics basketball tournament

UPDATE:

The Woodlands Warriors "B" team wins the silver medal at the Special Olympics basketball tournament at the Summer Games. (See additional photo.)



ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - The Woodlands Warriors are on the warpath and they’re taken the fight to Arlington, Texas, this Memorial Day weekend to the Special Olympics basketball tournament at their Summer Games.

Three teams that total 40 athletes will compete in a double-elimination tournament starting Thursday, May 26, and they’ve vowed not come back to The Woodlands without a championship.

To prepare for the event, the players took on the coaches this week in lighthearted play with a 70s theme. Sporting tye-dye and fro wigs, the coaches worked up a sweat, keeping up with the younger members of the Warriors.

(See short Warriors video.)

“I forgot how hot long hair is,” remarked one of the coaches on the court.

“We’re trying to keep it fun while getting in some practice time before the tournament,” said Miguel Lopez, another one of the team coaches, and Special Olympics advocate. “It means a lot to these athletes for the community to get behind them and support them.”

Two seasoned teams with just three starters, are poised to represent The Woodlands well, in the four-day tournament. The majority of the players are junior high age, but the no-age restriction does allow even seniors to participate. The oldest Warrior is 47, the youngest 14.

The third team is the Warriors’ Skills Team that consists of three boys and three girls that play a half-court game. This younger squad is where the players hone their skills and endurance for full-court play.

Especially excited to be participating in the tournament is Emma Thompson, a 6th grader in her second year on the Skills Team.

“I’m really looking forward to the tournament,” said Emma, trying to contain her excitement as she watched the veteran members of the Warriors play.

Other events at the Special Olympics Summer Games include soccer, tennis, gymnastics, and cycling. The Warriors have two competitors in the cycling event, and hope to have some athletes in the other categories in the future.

For athletes who want to be a part of this winning team contact the Warriors of The Woodlands via their Facebook page. It is a closed group, but ask to join, and they’ll be in touch with you.

Follow the Warriors progress in the tournament starting today, on the Special Olympics Summer Games website, and keep your fingers crossed that they bring home the gold medal.

#SpecialOlympics

Photos