Last Friday, Dunwoody Rotarians partnered with college students from Georgia State University Perimeter Campus to help Sequoyah Middle School host Basketball Skills Day for more than 150 DeKalb County Special Needs students. The partnership turned out to be a “Big Win” for all who participated.

Rotarian volunteers Rick Otness, Ray Huebschmann, Bob O’Brien, Darrin Vanderpan, Fred Brandt, Ed Holliday, Erica Brown and Kathy Brandt served as team leaders, focused on overseeing the Special Olympics Basketball competition taking place at each of six basketball goals in the Sequoyah gym. With the added fire power of GSU student volunteers, the volunteer teams officiated at the basketball competition for students representing 10 middle schools. Thanks to the efforts of Rotarian Ray Huebschmann, a GSU Psychology professor, the college student turnout was truly amazing, with 29 enthusiastic GSU students participating.

The entire competition turned out to be a BIG WIN for one and all. The day began with a Sequoyah student leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and another student leading the athletes in Special Olympics Athletes Oath. The middle school students experienced a fun-filled and challenging competition, as the team scores ebbed and flowed, with winning teams being awarded Red, Blue and Yellow ribbons and many cheers.

All volunteers were winners, having had the opportunity to create an excellent and fair competitive environment that helped players and teams to strive for, accomplish and, in some cases, exceed their wildest expectations.

Thank you, volunteers, for making the day a winning one for all!