Nearly 100 special needs athletes from Arlington and Fairfax counties will participate in the 22nd Annual Northern Virginia Special Olympics Basketball Invitational Tournament from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 18 at Marymount University’s Rose Bente Lee Center, 2807 North Glebe Road.
Sponsored by Marymount’s Student Government Association and the Athletics Department, close to 300 MU students are expected to help make the tournament memorable for the 10 participating teams. Unique events will be held at halftime of each game, including a slam dunk competition featuring Marymount’s varsity men’s basketball team, routines by MU’s cheer team and a dance-off for the Special Olympics athletes.
“Our students look forward to this event every year and and are eager to participate,” said Anne Aichele, director of Marymount’s Office of Student Leadership. “It brings together a wide range of volunteers, including faculty, students from a variety of majors and organizations, and community members. Anyone who participates can feel the energy and can’t help but get drawn into the spirit of the event.”
Opening ceremonies are at 9 a.m. Junior and senior championship games will be held at 2 p.m., followed by the awards and closing ceremonies at 2:45 p.m.
Marymount University is an independent, coeducational Catholic university offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in a wide range of disciplines.
