Special Olympics basketball team on their way to provincial finals

By Sherry Tompkins

There was a flurry of activity at Trenton High School Friday, as they played host to a 3 on 3 basketball tournament.

The tournament was a fundraiser to help send the Quinte West Rock Special Olympics basketball team to the provincial finals in Kingston from May 31 to June 3 .

The team needs $3,000 to make the trip

The fundraiser was organized by four Loyalist College students in the public relations program: Doug Holt, Sean Ashbridge, Beke Martin and Tara MacKinnon.  Funds were raised through team entries, a canteen and a raffle table.

Eleven teams showed up for play, held in both gyms at Trenton High. A total of four games were in progress at all times.

The game raised $600, surpassing the goal of $500.

Denise Kozlof coach of Special Olympics basketball team for the last three years, said she was happy to see the great turnout.

Kozlof said, the total raised will now be about $2,600.

“Transportation, lodging and meals are covered, but we need money for registration and uniforms,” said Kozlof.

There are 10 players on the team, ranging in age from 10 to more than 30.  Nine of the 10  have never been to a provincial-level tournament before.

“The competition is very tough,” said Kozlof, “but we believe they have a real shot.”

That shot would mean attending the national competition in 2013.