 Well, it was a little bit of March madness in February for some area basketball players. Josh Peterson was there as special Olympic basketball teams hit the courts. Bemidji State University's Rec Center was filled with the competitive spirit as special Olympic basketball teams from the northwest region of Minnesota competed in a basketball tournament made up of six teams that were ready to compete. Our basketball teams are composed of our traditional athlete and what we call a unified partner and our unified partners is somebody who does not have an intellectual disability. Each team is made up of three Olympic athletes and two unified partners. The unified partners come from all backgrounds providing a successful chemistry for each team. The unified partners come from corporations that are locally based. They come from various other venues maybe at a college level that come in just to kind of be a pal. For Darren Hansen and his teammate Scott Hurst playing basketball together has inspired Scott to take on a leadership role looking up to his friend and teammate Darren as a role model. But Darren has been a big influence in my life for being a good role model so I've learned a lot from him. For the unified partners just being there and becoming an active coach both on and off the basketball court can leave a lasting impact. Well I think having the partners be active with the athletes is I can't even express how important that is. It opens an eye to the community and everybody else and just you know makes everyone part one team. Anyone that has a curiosity about Special Olympics and its programming are encouraged to check out all of the other events and programs they offer. Anybody that's interested in Special Olympics come and take a peek if you don't know what we're all about and look online and see the areas and what events that we have going on come check them out. In Bemidji, Josh Peterson, Lakeland News. Each team had the opportunity to play two games. The area tournament qualifies the athletes to compete on the state level. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.