Special Olympics

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just to see the little things, when we’re working on skills in practice and you can see all of a sudden they get it, the concept you’re teaching. And they’re just so happy,” he said.

This is Pries’ first year coaching Special Olympics, although he spent “eight to 10 years” coaching youth and summer league programs in Owen-Withee.

“I’ve coached probably 100 kids in my life and this is the most special group (that) I’ve ever coached,” he said. “It’s hard to put into words how much I enjoy this. Seeing the smile on their face when they make the basket in a game, it makes it worth every second.”

Ron Johnson, who played on the first responders team, has a son who played on the Special Olympics team. He said his son really enjoys being part of the group and staying active.

“He loves it. He loves the camaraderie with his teammates,” he said.

As the season has progressed, friendships have been made and strengthened. The team has been practicing once a week since early December and competed in tournaments in Stevens Point and UW-Stout. Next, they will compete in track and field, and possibly bean bag toss, if there is enough interest.

People can follow the team by liking the “Colby-Abby Special Olympics” page on Facebook.

AN AWESOME TEAM-UP - The Colby-Abby and Spencer Special Olympics basketball teams pose for a photo with members of the the Central Fire and EMS, Abbotsford-Colby Police Department and the Spencer Fire and EMS and Police Department after their fundraiser game held this past Sunday.

STAFF PHOTO/VALORIE BRECHT

LOOKING FOR AN OPENING - Miguel Hernandez dribbles up the court during the fundraiser game.

STAFF PHOTO/VALORIE BRECHT