The 36th Annual Special Olympics Basketball Game took place in Chippewa Falls last night, showcasing the skills of the city’s top athletes, the Chippewa Falls Special Olympians. This event was organized to raise funds for Special Olympics in Chippewa County, with the Chippewa Falls Police Department and Justus Cleveland lending their support as opponents to the athletes.
Coach Greg Misfeldt, who has been coaching the athletes for over 20 years, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “It’s a great event for the community. I think I’ve been coaching these guys for probably over 20 years now and this event every year gets bigger and bigger.”
One of the Special Olympics athletes, Shannon Freeman, shared his joy at participating in the event, saying, “Gets me out in the community, keeps me involved making new friends and my team won the gold medal this year, for the second year in row. Yeah, this is the thing I look forward to most every year.”
The competition was not only a display of talent, but also brought the community together for an enjoyable evening. The game embraced a western/cowboy theme, adding an extra element of excitement for both the athletes and the spectators.
In addition to the basketball game, there were activities for children, delicious food, and a raffle, making it a well-rounded event for all ages. The positive energy and enthusiasm from the participants and supporters made the 36th Annual Special Olympics Basketball Game a huge success.
As the second year back following the pandemic, the game exceeded expectations and continues to grow each year. The event serves as a reminder of the power of sports to unite and bring joy to the community.
The 36th Annual Special Olympics Basketball Game was a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and giving back, and is a proud tradition in Chippewa Falls. We look forward to many more years of celebrating the athletic achievements and community support that this event embodies. We extend our gratitude to WEAU for capturing the spirit of the 36th Annual Special Olympics Basketball Game.