McHenry Community High School hosted its first unified basketball game for Special Olympics athletes and their partners to display basketball skills in front of a packed gymnasium.
Plenty of fans came out on Oct. 22 to the main gym at Upper Campus to cheer on athletes playing against Crystal Lake South. Then on Oct. 27, McHenry athletes traveled to Grayslake North for a similar practice game.
Special Olympics Coach Jennifer Beattie said they got the idea to do the practice games after attending a similar one in Grayslake last year. While not an official Special Olympics basketball game, the events gave Special Olympics athletes a chance to perfect their skills while working with student partners.
Twelve McHenry athletes participated with about five or six student volunteers helping run the game. Three students also volunteered as officials for the McHenry home game. There were also volunteer coaches, cheerleaders, National Anthem performers, and plenty of fans.
“I’m so proud of these amazing athletes,” Beattie said.
