CPS students compete in Special Olympics basketball program

CHICAGO (WLS) -- It's all the action, all the intensity you'd see in any other high school basketball tournament, but these are Special Olympics athletes from Chicago high schools playing for medals and learning life lessons.

"This is so important because our athletes learn to play as a team," said Pam Munnizzi, Special Olympics coordinator for CPS. "They have such an ability. They cheer for each other when they are competing against each other. It's the sportsmanship. They can write a book about sportsmanship because they are truly sincere in what they are doing."

But make no mistake about it; the 22 schools playing at IIT are truly athletic and very competitive.

"They are happy to be here but don't be fooled, they do want to win, but at the end and during competition, it's really good to see that sportsmanship on display," said Steve Schlichting, coach at Northside Learning Center. "They help each other off the ground and give each other high fives after the games. It's nice to see."

About 250 students played in this high school tournament. The CPS Special Olympics basketball program starts at age eight.

"Yes, my coach and my team we are the best. We won our first game. It's the best team we ever had!" said Malek Williams, a Northside player.

"I had my team to help me. I did team work. Good sportsmanship. I used my team to help me. It's all ain't about me. It's about my team," said Patrick Mathews, a Ray Graham player.

The first place teams go on to the state tournament in Bloomington, Ill., but what these kids are learning is worth a whole lot more than just a trophy.

"We've been talking about playing as a team not so much as an individual winning but just going out there and doing your best. A good job," said Kimberly Reid, coach of Ray Graham Training Center High School. "That's definitely a lesson they can take to the real world: just do your best and things will fall into place."

As they often say, the final score doesn't really matter. What's important is getting a chance to compete. Because of that, all these young people are a winner.