A different kind of basketball game at Schaumburg High School

Schaumburg High School’s Student Council Club sponsored a “Special Olympics” night Feb. 11 during the school’s boys basketball game.

Special Olympics athletes performed the national anthem before the game, followed by a 5-minute basketball game during halftime of the boys varsity game as cheerleaders performed court side.

The student council also sold special T-shirts for the event to show support for the Special Olympics cause.

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities by 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.

The focus in Special Olympics is on what athletes can do. Like everyone, Special Olympics athletes like to win, but, more importantly, they strive to do their best. The sportsmanship that is demonstrated on the court, in the field or on the track serves as an inspiration to all.