On Saturday, Jan. 26, McLean’s gymnasium was filled nearly to capacity with hundreds of fans for the annual FanQuest Special Olympics basketball game. McLean played against Oakton; both teams had been preparing for over a month through their respective schools’ athletic departments. Led in scoring by senior Dylan Kim, McLean claimed a 47-45 victory in thrilling fashion. The game was a huge success in both attendance and reception.
The event, which was coordinated by the area’s Special Olympics Association and sponsored by Booz Allen Hamilton, also featured several speakers who detailed their efforts to promote acceptance and tolerance of people with special needs within the community.
Special Education teacher Mark Thompson, who coaches the team, began working to set up this year’s game in the spring of 2012, and practicing with his team in November. Thompson keeps the team open to any special education student who wants to join.
“They all want to be there. There are no kids who are doing it because their parents want them to or anything,” Thompson said. “They all love the game.”
Thompson also feels this year’s game was a huge success, as both the players and community took something from it.
“The reception from the fans was great,” Thompson said. “The attendance was as high as any varsity basketball game, and the fans were cheering non-stop. When we made our first shot, the gym exploded… The players, meanwhile, are walking on air right now. They’re ecstatic.”
Junior Kevin Pfiel, who played in the game, said it was “a fabulous experience, for both my family and me.”
In addition to the hundreds of fans who almost completely filled the bleachers, McLean’s cheerleading squad and marching band both were present, leading the fans in cheering. Members of McLean’s DECA program, which extensively promoted the game, were also in attendance, and awarded the McLean players their medals for winning after the game’s conclusion.
For McLean students who attended, the game was a wonderful opportunity to cheer on their classmates and take in the valuable message conveyed before the game by a number of speakers regarding understanding and working with those with special needs.
“The game itself was legitimately exhilarating, and the halftime shows were fantastic,” senior Max Johnson said. “The special needs cheerleading team and the George Mason cheerleaders were super fun to watch along with the knowledge of the support they lend back to their communities. That really was the feel of the night.”
Some students felt it was pleasant to finally enjoy the sport of basketball without the hostility and extreme-competitiveness between the fans that often accompany the varsity games. Even though it was held in the same gymnasium the varsity games are, and the noise level rivaled that of a varsity game, both fan sections were solely positive in their cheering.
“It was spectacular to go to a sporting event where there is nothing but positive, edifying energy for everyone involved,” Johnson said.
But Johnson says the best part of the night was witnessing the treatment of the athletes throughout the night.
“No one seemed to pity or look down on anyone else, it was all about lifting each other up as humans to reach our full potentials,” Johnson said.
Johnson, who is active in McLean’s Best Buddies program, also had a personal connection to the game, as his Best Buddy was playing in it.
“It was awesome to see my Best Buddy, Kevin Pfiel, on the court,” Johnson said. “I made a bunch of signs that my friends and I held up that made puns about his favorite Broadway musicals. He really was a star of the team. Not only did he make some amazing three-point shots while being a beast on defense, he stepped out as a true leader. I’m constantly amazed at how positive and cheery he is, especially when it comes to rooting on his teammates. I was really glad to be there as his #1 fan.”
Johnson found the event to be an all-around success and valuable experience for anyone in attendance.
“It’s a shame we only have one each year,” Johnson said.
