The Special Olympics team has made a strong return this year despite Covid-19. The team, led by special education teacher Jae Lee, has hosted multiple events throughout the school year. Last Saturday, Feb. 26, the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament was hosted at AHS. 

The athletes faced off against Marshall high school’s Unified Team. The Atoms went undefeated as they were cheered on by the fans and parents in attendance.

Leadership students and the girl’s basketball team volunteered for the tournament, which consisted of two games. One at 8:00 a.m. and the other at 11:45 a.m.

“It was a super fun experience and I am so glad I was able to participate,” Holly Waldridge said. “I had such a great time cheering on all of the athletes, and seeing them happy and excited put a huge smile on my face.”

The Special Olympics athletes also plan to participate in Fan Quest, an annual basketball game that takes place during the school day at AHS. Fan Quest will be held on Friday, March 11, and the school day will be on Pep Rally schedule. 

The event will be taking place during the Inclusion Spirit Week that Leadership is hosting to celebrate the inclusion of diverse and creative students.

Students and teachers are encouraged to participate in the Spirit Week which will take place from March 7 to March 11. Fan Quest will also be taking place the same day as the Just World Festival and Heritage Night. 

The spirit day that will be taking place on March 11 is Atom Pride Day, where students and faculty wear Atom Nation gear to showcase their school spirit. 

The Fan Quest teams will consist of the Special Olympics Team being divided and playing against each other. The school will be able to cheer on the athletes since the event will be taking place during the school day.

“I can’t wait for Fan Quest, the athletes have been working hard and they’re excited to play in front of the whole school,” senior Leadership vice president Sydney Wilmes said.