It was a Friday afternoon, but parking (and seating) was hard to find at the Joplin YMCA.
Twelve players, seven coaches, six coed teams, two referees and 60 fans packed the court as part of Champions Day: The first of what is sure to be an annual basketball tradition in Joplin. Among the highlights made that day? A game-winning buzzer beater!
Champions Day was inspired by Special Olympics competitions and organized — tipoff to final second — by Morgan Mabrey, activity coordinator at Easy Living Inc.’s Joplin location.
And, in the spirit of the Olympics, inviting other assisted living organizations to participate reinforced the competitive camaraderie. Community Support Services, Chances of Hope, and Firefly Supported Living & Employment Services all eagerly accepted the chance to join.
From the Diamond to the Hardwood
Between playing in Miracle League Baseball games to fishing, our individuals are no strangers to physical activity. The Winter Olympics gave a happy excuse for everyone to celebrate teamwork and their abilities.
Morgan, who played 2nd base in high school and coaches her son’s basketball team, prepared our players with weekly practices leading up to the event. They worked on their individual conditioning, dribbling and shot form, as well as running plays as a team. Most even asked for just a little extra time when practice was scheduled to end.
The festivities formally began with {one of their individuals} performing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” followed by each coed team playing a game of four, six-minute quarters.
Some sat out the first quarter to calm their jitters, but seeing their friends on the court gave them the confidence to play. Their energy, effort and smiles couldn’t be missed once they entered the game. Even though we lost the first two games in nail-biting fashion, we took home the gold by winning our third.
But those aren’t the results that matter.
Off-the-Court Is What Really Counts
While each team took home an MVP trophy, Champion’s Day embodies how individual actions combine to make incredible memories possible, just like our annual prom. This day was made successful because of help from the YMCA, volunteer referees and coaches, and other local service organizations.
Groups are already asking about next year, including those who weren’t able to participate this time!
“There’s nothing better than a little friendly competition. It warmed my heart looking around the room and seeing the proud smiles on everyone’s face,” Morgan said.
If your loved one wants to make new friends and memories, we invite you to learn more about our facilities.
