Lakes girls make special contribution

Lakes’ girls basketball players gave up cheering on their favorite NFL football teams last Sunday to help run the Special Olympics basketball tournament in Cicero.

Eagles coach Pete Schneider said the program’s players, parents, coaches and families volunteered their time to keep score, run the clock, present awards, pass out lunches, and organize and drive the many kids to and from the event.

“Special Olympics has a slogan, ‘Changing attitudes,’ ” Schneider said. “It is always a great lesson for youth to recognize that there are some really great people that have special needs and that by giving their time they help make some families’ day a whole lot brighter.

“I feel so fortunate to have been able to help and to get to hear and see so many great stories unfold surrounding this event,” Schneider added. “I have not talked to one of our players or members that was not moved or touched by this event. In talking to the director of this event it was shared that they were so impressed with the level of maturity and sincerity that our group displayed.

“This is just one of many events that our program helps support, and they are all great ways to learn and teach life lessons. I will have to admit the comments and the positive effects that this has had on our program is awesome, and I believe will have a positive effect on how each of us view our ability to help and give back as well as how we treat or allow others to treat some very special people.”