SoKY’s Choice: Special Olympics Athletes Take Center Stage in Basketball Tournament

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – The cheers inside the gym this weekend sounded like any other high-stakes basketball tournament, sneakers squeaking, benches erupting, last-second shots hanging in the air.

But for the more than 450 athletes competing in the 2026 Special Olympics Kentucky Region 1 Basketball Tournament, the victories ran deeper than the scoreboard.

“I love to play basketball, my teammates and everything else,” said Jose of the Bowling Green team, who has been part of the program for eight years.

Forty-three teams from across western Kentucky converged on Bowling Green for the two-day regional tournament, each hoping to earn one of 12 spots in the state tournament in Louisville next month.

For many athletes, the tournament represents more than competition.

“I’ve met a lot of fun people. Great people throughout,” said Jacob Follis of the Barren County Flames, reflecting on his years in the program.

Aaron, representing Butler County, which fielded a team for the first time, said simply of playing, “It’s pretty good.”

The regional tournament has grown into one of the largest in state history, requiring a two-day format to accommodate the expanding field. Organizers say the growth reflects the increasing popularity of basketball within Special Olympics Kentucky.

“It’s nerve wracking, because not only are we helping run the tournament, but we have teams, you know, playing in the tournament, and we really want to see them succeed and go to state,” said Hannah Staples, adaptive recreation coordinator for Bowling Green Parks and Recreation.

Staples, who has been involved with Special Olympics since childhood, said the athletes themselves are what keep the long weekend in perspective.

“It’s the athletes to see the joy that they get out of this, the dedication that they put into it. And just how amazing they are. That’s what keeps us going.”

For Allen Wells of the Barren County Flames, the focus remains on the fundamentals.

“We are the best team. We tried hard like hard, and we had to go deep to stay focus,” he said.

Andrew Fiers of McCracken County said competing at regionals feels no different than any other major tournament.

“I feel like we’re just like any other, you know, high school or coliseum. I mean, I feel like we’re up there,” Fiers said.

And when the opportunity to advance presents itself, the moment can be overwhelming.

“It’s amazing to be able to win, you know, our games at regionals and actually go to state. The experience is just blows your mind,” he said.

By the end of the weekend, 12 teams had secured their trip to Louisville.

But inside the gym in Bowling Green, the celebration wasn’t reserved only for those advancing.

For the athletes, the weekend was about teammates, friendships and the simple love of the game, a reminder that sometimes the biggest wins aren’t measured on a scoreboard.