Area26 SPECIAL update!!
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March 2020 | Issue 7.2
Let me win, but if I cannot win,
Let me be brave in the attempt.

From the Editor...
This is a special edition of the Newsletter about the 2020 Special Olympics Virginia Basketball State Championships.

AREA 26 DOMINATES THE 2020 SOVA BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS CEREMONIES
With the Gecko...
Ready to Rumble
Lighting the Flame
 Triple-Gold Medalist Jay Choi
Friday, March 6th
Jay Choi, champion speed skater at the Swedish Test Trials and Area 26 Legend , was selected to bring the flame to the games for the Champs tourney. Jay, escorted by the Police Delegation from the Law Enforcement Torch Run group, rounded the arena and ascended the stairs to light the big Torch.
Let the Games Begin!!
Bound for Glory
15 Teams from Area 26 were selected to participate in the State Games after placing first in their Divisions for the Season:

Davis Diamonds
Fairfax Bulls
Fantastics Blue 
Gold Rush
Green Machine 
Langley Wizards 
Legends
Mason Nation
McLean Bulls
Mighty Titans 
Pride
Screaming Eagles
Stars
TC United
Wakefield HS Unified
Coaches, athletes, families, friends, and volunteers all made their way down I-95 to Stafford for the big finish to the Hoops season.
The annual two-day event filled the arena for Opening Ceremonies and venues all over the Stafford area hosted matches for the competitive round.

In this newsletter are some of the highlights of the weekend. For more pictures and results, click the button to go to our special webpage dedicated to the event.
Assessment Day and Opening Ceremonies
Friday afternoon all contestants and coaches gathered at Colonial Forge HS in Stafford for the annual assessment session. This series of 6 minute games is intended to level-set the various regions so that Division 1 to Division 15 look the same in match pairings. Each team played two games before getting cleaned up for Opening Ceremonies.
The teams all then settled in for a meal before the evening's festivities
Meanwhile back at the ranch...
HOD Elaine Tilton arranged for over 200 beds and meals to make sure the athletes were ready to go!
A number of Area 26 athletes from the Mighty Titans then went on to play in the annual Unified Exhibition Game as the evening opener, cheered on by the incredible fans of the Area 26 Delegation...
Ready for the Party!!
A Special Honor
NBA Cares Star Chris Carter was given special recognition during the halftime of the Exhibition Game for his skill, courage and game winning performance.

SOVA Chair Rick Jeffries said that Chris's coach called him personally to praise Chris as one of the most humble and professional athletes she had ever dealt with.

Chris's performance reflects great credit on himself, Area 26 and Special Olympics VA.
Area 26 can only support athletes at events like this with donations from familes, friends and supporters - please consider giving.
You can find out how HERE .
SOVA Gameday...
After a good night's sleep, and a big breakfast...
...the teams shot out of the Holiday Inn Fredericksburg to sites all over Stafford for their Divisional matches. The action was intense, and the ENTIRE delegation gave their all. Everyone should be very proud of their performance and accomplishments!!
Langley Wizards
GMU Green Machine
GMU Pride
GMU Mason Nation
Fantastics Blue
Legends
McLean Bulls
GMU Stars
Mighty Titans
GMU Gold Rush
Fairfax Bulls
Screaming Eagles
Wakefield Unified
TC United
Davis Diamonds
Action photos and more highlights are on the special webpage for the Championships... click the button!!
Special Thanks...
Area 26 would like to thank the Coaches, volunteers and family fans for helping to make the Games special for our athletes. Your support is most appreciated!