The Special Olympics of Massachusetts (SOMA) State Basketball Tournament Playoffs will once again be hosted by Weston’s Junior Class at Weston High School and Middle School gymnasiums. This year the games are on Sunday, April 10, 2022, and the public is encouraged to come and cheer on these athletes.

It must be three years ago now that the Owl family went out to watch for a couple of hours and were inspired by the energy and joy of the teams. What struck me most was how tight the teams were and how much fun they had on the sidelines and on the court. When I checked in with Mike McGrath, Weston’s Athletic Director, he concurred and said he goes every year because it’s such a great event.

From the marketing materials:

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. 

Every day, Special Olympics athletes prove how sport unifies. Join the WHS Junior Class of 2023 in celebrating the inclusive power of sports! 

If you so choose, there are many ways to support the hundreds of participating athletes in the day-long event at the High School and Middle School. 

Ways you can help:

1. Encourage your students to volunteer. Use this online form to sign up! 
2. Volunteer yourself
3. Medical Professionals needed – Dr, Nurse, EMT, etc 
4. Donate money to Special Olympics
5. Come and cheer!

Donations of any amount are welcome. Families with distinguished donation levels of Gold $500.00 Silver $250.00 and Bronze $100.00 will be recognized at the event. 

The current schedule is posted at this link, though it is subject to change. Games start at 9 am with the last one scheduled for 2 pm.

Go ‘cats…and Huskies and Wolverines and Falcons and Grizzlies…