Special Olympians embraced by Lipscomb ‘family’

Special Olympians embraced by Lipscomb ‘family’

It was a dark and rainy day on campus, but smiles and cheers lit up Allen Arena during the Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament Friday evening. The basketball games that continued into Saturday night marked Lipscomb’s 11th year of hosting the tournament. The special bond between Lipscomb athletes and the Special Olympics athletes make the teaming of the tournament and the university a natural fit. “There is a competitive rivalry, but there is also much more support of fellow athletes no matter what team they’re on,” said Lin Garner, Lipscomb’s Associate Athletic Director for Academics. A spotlight was put on the athletic camaraderie at the opening ceremonies, where Lipscomb athletes joined the Special Olympics athletes to cheer them on before they stepped on court. Terry Watkins, Special Olympics Director for Area 1 Nashville, said that in that short time of fellowship, the Special Olympics athletes made connections with the college athletes. “Love is love,” Watkins said. “You can love a sport, whether you’re really good at it or not. “College athletes are generally good at sports. There are some of our [athletes] that may not be, but they still have that love — that common love of sports that comes together when we do things like this.” Watkins, who also teaches Special Education at Nashville’s Glencliff High School, is a veteran of three decades as a Special Olympics coach. He said he loves what he sees on the court, but wishes more would would take the time to cheer in the stands. “Most of our [coaches’] job is encouragement — building on the good things — and when the fans cheer, that...