Team Big Blue tops Aggies
The Utah State Special Olympic team combined forces with members of the USU men’s and women’s basketball teams Thursday afternoon for a basketball game on the Taggert Student Center plaza.
The athletes and Olympiansformed two teams , the Big Blues and the Aggies. Both teams provided spectators and passers-by with an exciting afternoon activity.
The Big Blues jumped to an early lead and finished the half with a 26-18 lead. In the second half, the Aggies mounted a small comeback, but still fell 54-46.
The game featured a refreshing amount of passing and unselfishness in general. Everyone shared the ball which led to a couple of alley-oop dunks in the second half.
Unlike most sports contests, however, the final score was probably of least importance.
“I’m always a winner,” said the Aggies’ Olympian Darin Payne, 25. “It’s fun for everyone.”
That includes the USU athletes who played.
“I have more fun playing with [the Olympians] sometimes than with anyone else,” said Jessica Pak, senior center/forward for the women’s basketball team. “It’s the game in its purest form.”
Pak played in the game with her husband of five months, David Pak.
David, a senior point guard, said, “I think the Special Olympics is great. It gives kids the chance to associate with the athletes and with everyone. It shows everyone they’re just like us.”
Merlin Broadbent, 17-year old junior at Mountain Crest High School, agrees. He said that Special Olympics gives him an opportunity for physical activity and meeting friends.
Merlin has spina bifida and was born with a hole in his spinal cord. He was the only participant of the game in a wheelchair. His legs have been useless to him since birth and he had them amputated about a year ago, making athletic involvement difficult. Merlin has had six or seven surgeries in the last four years.
Merlin’s mother Monica was among the large faction of fans on the sidelines who were parents there to cheer on their children. Monica said she is also grateful for the Special Olympics program.
“If it weren’t for the Special Olympics, he’d be sitting home,” she said. “[The olympians] are of all different ages and abilities, but they’re all friends.”
Merlin also participates in cross-country skiing and cycling. While the Special Olympics has been a blessing to Merlin, Monica said Merlin has been a blessing to his family.
“He makes us realize what’s really important,” Monica said.
-benwalker@cc.usu.edu