The 9th Annual Special Olympics Basketball Tournament took place on Sunday, April 26th at the UCSB Thunderdome with over 600 athletes, coaches and volunteers and spectators in attendance. As in past years, the air was thick with excitement, passion and pride as 32 teams from across Southern California competed throughout the day.
Highlights of the tournament included opening ceremonies with Mayor Marty Blum and Supervisor Janet Wolf, closing ceremonies with Sheriff Bill Brown and Lt. Butch Arnoldi, and tough competition throughout the day.
A thrilling 24-23 final game (Tri-Valley Pierce #1 vs. Santa Clarita Valley Bull Sharks) determined the winner of the Blue Division, which was the highest level of competition offered. Overall the tournament was a great success and athletes and volunteers alike are already looking forward to next year’s big event!
Divisions & 1st place winners (starting with highest level division)
Blue Division: Tri-Valley Pierce #1 (Santa Barbara Allstars took 3rd in this highly contested division)
Green Division: Ventura Conejo Champs #1
Yellow Division: Northern Santa Barbara Sooners (Santa Barbara Ligers, below, took 2nd in yellow division)
Orange Division: Santa Clarita Valley Blue Sharks (Santa Barbara Sharpshooters, below, took 2nd in orange division)
Red Division: Santa Clarita Valley Great Whites
Pink Division: Antelope Valley Dribblers
Purple Division: Santa Barbara Dragons (below).
White Division (Youth division): Northern Santa Barbara Rebels
Tournament Stats
Total Teams: 32
Total Athletes: 330
Total Volunteer Coaches: 90
Total all other volunteers: 100
Spectators: 100+
