Midwest Magic Defeats BPD In 4th Annual Magical Afternoon Match

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Midwest Magic Special Olympics team members reach for their trophy immediately after their fourth win.

“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in my attempt.”

This Special Olympics motto was spoken by members of the Midwest Magic Special Olympics Team before kicking of the 4th Annual Magical Afternoon. Each year the Midwest Magic faces off against the Burlington Police Department at this championship basketball game as a fundraising effort to support their athletic endeavors. This year, the Midwest Magic remained undefeated, beating the BPD 69 to 48.

Hundreds of fans show up to support the talented team members and watch the antics that they pull to distract the BPD, such as feeding them donuts or dressing them in correctional center jerseys.

Tisha Adkins, a highly involved Midwest Magic basketball player giggled when she watched folks with “Free Donuts” signs walk by the BPD team.

“I like teasing Grimshaw,” she said of Major Darren Grimshaw. “It’s fun to tease him at the game.”

She also, of course, enjoyed playing the game.

“Basketball is my favorite sport,” she smiled. “We’ve been practicing for a long time.”

Coach Brett Mitchell confirmed that, saying the team members began practicing in October. The Magical Afternoon Championship game is a culmination of their hard work.

Mitchell mentioned that the team is unique because the members haven’t had the opportunity to take part in team sports before.

“The big thing here is that everyone gets a chance. If I need to make room for 100 members, I will,” he said. “[The Annual Magical Afternoon] is about watching them showcase their talents in front of hundreds people.”

Mitchell added that seeing the smiles on his team members’ faces was the highlight of the experience.

Midwest Magic team members avert the BPD team as they run the ball down court.

Some of his team members are cheerleaders who brought a smile to Mandy Moeller’s face while she sat amongst friends. Between cheers and the game, Moeller’s favorite part was dancing to the music from the sidelines.

Major Grimshaw seemed to see just what the “Magic” is in “Midwest Magic.”

“They have such great spirits. Such positive attitudes.” He said, “It’s hard to go out there and remain focused solely on winning.”

As if on cue, his opponent Kasse Holtkamp happily approached him and was asked if she thought the game was all about winning.

“No!” She exclaimed. “It’s about having fun!”

Along with that, Adkins added, “It’s about being with the Midwest Magic Team. They’re like family.”