Special Olympics,

from p. 1 for a team. This was the first time the fundraiser has been held since 2020; prior to that it was an annual event for more than 15 years.

The Special Olympians competed against members of the Spencer Fire and EMS, Spencer Police Department, Central Fire and EMS and Abbotsford-Colby Police Department. As has happened since the fundraiser’s inception, the game went into overtime. With a game-winning basket, Efie Chavez ensured the Special Olympians maintained their reign on top in the longstanding rivalry. The Special Olympians took the 54-52 win.

Beyond winning and losing though, the event is much more about personal growth and the athletes gaining confidence in themselves, said Pries.

“I’ve seen skills growth and interpersonal growth. It’s a night-and-day difference from where they started three months ago to where they are now… It’s amazing 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.

VALORIE BRECHT/STAFF PHOTO