Volunteer to cheer for special athletes

Special Olympics Virginia is looking for volunteer fans for the state basketball championships, which will be held next week in Stafford County.

More than 800 athletes from across the state will go for gold in full-court, half-court and basketball skills competitions March 15-16 at various Stafford County middle and high schools. Click here to sign up to be a fan.

Check-in will be at the “Volunteer to Cheer” tables located at each competition venue. Here, you will be able to make posters and signs and hopefully meet some athletes face to face. Feel free to dress up in your most fanatic costume or paint your face to show your enthusiasm. Everyone who comes out to cheer also will get free cheer sticks to help them get in the spirit.

The opening night ceremony starts at 7 p.m. on March 15 at Mountain View High School.  Skills, half-court and full-court action run from 9 am to 2:30 pm Saturday, March 16 at eight Stafford middle and high schools.

If you’ve never been, it’s a great event. I went to my first Special Olympics state basketball tournament last year, and it was incredible. The athletes are amazing (full disclosure: my son competes in Special Olympics basketball) and the atmosphere is so friendly.

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