More Than 300 Special Olympics Athletes Compete in Basketball Tournament at NSU

(Photo caption: NSU Board of Trustees member Paul Sallarulo and his son Patrick, left, join Special Olympics Broward County’s Nova Sharks basketball team, and NSU President George L. Hanbury, II at the Second Annual Area 10 Basketball Tournament.)

Fans from the NSU community and student volunteers recently gathered to cheer on and warm the hearts of more than 300 Special Olympics athletes competing in the Area 10 Basketball Tournament held in the arena at NSU’s Don Taft University Center.

Athletes from across South Florida participated in this exciting tournament, for a chance to advance to the state and national levels. Athletes competed in individual basketball skills, team skills, 3-on-3 teams, traditional teams and unified teams.

Opening ceremonies began with a parade of athletes, the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. The “Flame of Hope” scepter was also symbolically displayed, while all participating athletes will took the following oath: “Let me win. If I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

The day-long basketball tournament was the second held at NSU, which is the permanent home of the Broward County chapter of Special Olympics (SOBC). The partnership between SOBC and NSU came about as part of a generous gift Don Taft and the Taft Foundation made to NSU in 2009. In recognition of Taft’s contribution, the 366,000 square-foot Don Taft University Center was named in his honor. The gift also provided SOBC with its home at NSU.

For more information about SOBC or to volunteer at future events, please call (954) 262-2150.