This past weekend, Special Olympics Virginia celebrated its 2024 Basketball Championships at the newly unveiled Henrico Sports & Events Centerin Richmond, VA.
The event, which took place on February 24-25, marked a historic moment as over 1,000 athletes, coaches, and supporters gathered for the first time at this venue to participate in the culminating state-level event.
The competition began on Saturday afternoon with individual skills competitions, half-court, and full-court games. Teams were divisioned based on skill set and then were grouped for Sunday's competition.
Later in the evening, the games officially kicked off with the Opening Ceremony. Thousands packed into the sports center where attendees were treated to the presence of local Honor Guards, inspiring speeches, and the ceremonial lighting of the Olympic Cauldron.
The competition continued into Sunday as 60+ teams vied for gold in each of their respective divisions.
The success of this weekend's championships was heavily reliant on the dedication and spirit of volunteers who contributed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment.
Support from partners was also a key element in the realization of this year's championships. Special Olympics Virginia acknowledged the generous contributions of SouthState Bank, Sentara, GEICO, ABLEnow, and Texas Roadhouse, whose support was instrumental in bringing the event to life.