(MARYVILLE, Mo.) Fans filled the seats at Northwest Missouri State University and they weren't just cheering for the Bearcats.
Everyone had a fan at the Special Olympics basketball tournament. Team from all over Northwest Missouri competed in the final games of the season.
Some of the athletes are veterans, competing yearly. Others are enjoying it for the first time.
"He played two different games. He won one and lost one," said Carrie Henggler, mother of eleven year old Cole. "He had several points and he got to shoot and he had a blast. He had a great day."
The points get counted and the winners get to move on to a state tournament. But for everyone involved, it is more than just the numbers up on that scoreboard.
"It is humbling to come out here and see all these Special Olympic athletes really put their heart and soul into trying to do their very best," said Creg Campbell. "And whether they win or lose, they're all happy for everybody."
One of the big highlights for the athletes was Northwest's cheerleaders volunteering at the event.
"It was kind of cool," said Carlton Campbell, 14. "All the cheerleaders had their pom-poms and dad took the picture and we're going to send it to my mom."
The best part of the day was getting a chance to be superstars as they lined up for the row of photographers.
The best part of all, having a day they can feel like superstars.
Everyone had a fan at the Special Olympics basketball tournament. Team from all over Northwest Missouri competed in the final games of the season.
Some of the athletes are veterans, competing yearly. Others are enjoying it for the first time.
"He played two different games. He won one and lost one," said Carrie Henggler, mother of eleven year old Cole. "He had several points and he got to shoot and he had a blast. He had a great day."
The points get counted and the winners get to move on to a state tournament. But for everyone involved, it is more than just the numbers up on that scoreboard.
"It is humbling to come out here and see all these Special Olympic athletes really put their heart and soul into trying to do their very best," said Creg Campbell. "And whether they win or lose, they're all happy for everybody."
One of the big highlights for the athletes was Northwest's cheerleaders volunteering at the event.
"It was kind of cool," said Carlton Campbell, 14. "All the cheerleaders had their pom-poms and dad took the picture and we're going to send it to my mom."
The best part of the day was getting a chance to be superstars as they lined up for the row of photographers.
The best part of all, having a day they can feel like superstars.
