Marymount University's student-athletes recently took time away from their respective seasons to help out at the 18th Annual Special Olympics Regional Basketball Tournament held on Saturday, April 6.  Organized by Marymount’s Campus Ministry Association, the tournament featured a multitude of athletes and teams from all over the Northern Virginia area in both the senior and junior levels.

The tournament was held in the Verizon Sports Arena and was a much anticipated campus-wide event. With both the upper and lower gyms packed with friends, family, and athletes, Marymount student-athletes were able to stand out in their Marymount gear. Providing families with directions to restrooms, the dining hall and other campus facilities, multiple parents showed their appreciation for the Saints.

In addition, Marymount’s women’s basketball squad partnered with the Reston Ladyhawks team throughout the entire day.  They supported the athletes by making signs, cheering on the sidelines and eating lunch with the team.

“Working with the Special Olympics proved to be an incredible experience for the team,” Saints captain Katelyn Fischer said. “We were able to cheer on the Reston Ladyhawks throughout the day and get to know the players on a more personal level. It was truly rewarding to be able to sit down and talk with them about the joy and passion that we both share for basketball.”

The championship games saw the Davis Destroyers defeating Chantilly United in the Senior Division and the Mighty Titans topping Mason Nation in the Junior Division. The Langley Cavaliers won the 3-on-3 game over Arlington Red.

Awards were presented by Samyr Laine, an instructor in Marymount’s School of Business Administration and himself an Olympian – having competed for Haiti in the triple jump at the 2012 Summer Games.