KIMBERLY (NBC 26) — A special game of hoops took place on Saturday afternoon to help raise awareness about people with intellectual disabilities.
The game featured the “Ravens”, a team of Special Olympic athletes, versus athletes from Kimberly High School.
Students were part of the nationwide campaign to “Spread the Word to End the Word”, a pledge for people to stop saying the “R-word”.
“This is my first time playing Special Olympics,” said Kaitlyn, an athlete from the Ravens.
For Devin Wise, another player for the Ravens, he shared how excited he was to be apart of this game.
“I’m going to take this team and lead them to the victory,” Wise said.
Every step along the court, he carried his family in his heart and soul.
“My group home family and all my fans. I love games and I love playing basketball and family is the most important thing for you,” said Wise.
During the game Wise was so touched by the support he received. He even stopped in the middle of the game to see his grandma.
“This our man Devin,” said Mary Krueger as she held up a poster for Devin.
The event also had raffles and prizes.
Funds from the game goes to SOAR Fox Cities who then uses it for Special Olympic events in the future.
“I can use it to offset the cost of buses for tournaments that are one to hours away,” said Lisa Volkman, the Special Olympics Program Coordinator for SOAR Fox Cities.
The Ravens were able to defeat Kimberly High School 78 to 58.
Saturday’s game was also the first in-person game in two years since the pandemic.
