...and the Diamond State Classic

IAABO Board #11 has had a long history of support for Special Olympics Delaware. Many years before the Diamond State Classic, IAABO reffed the Special Olympic Delaware basketball games free of charge as a community service. In 1996 the Diamond State Classic incorporated Special Olympics Delaware as a partner. Each year we have given a part of the profits raised by the tournament to help this worthy cause. This year we surpassed $70,000 donated by the Diamond State Classic. Each year we have a Special Olympic athlete address the teams at opening ceremonies. The speaker invariably brings the crowd to tears, ending with a standing ovation. Elizabeth Nolan, who addressed the teams the last 2 years, is a very special lady and quite an enthusiastic basketball player. During our Special Olympic exhibition game, played on the last day of the tournament, Elizabeth and all the other players show how the game of basketball is played. The pure fun and joy of these athletes is touching. The Diamond State Classic’s involvement with Special Olympic Delaware is mainly due to two people who deserve a lot of credit. Steve Meeker is the Chairman of the Diamond State Classic and an active volunteer with Special Olympics Delaware. Steve has reffed the Special Olympics National Tournament and has also traveled to Ireland to act as a golf coach for Special Olympic Delaware. The other person is the Executive Director of Special Olympics Delaware, Ann Grunert. Special Olympics should be proud to have such a dedicated person as Ann at the helm. Good Luck to Special Olympics Delaware and Ann Grunert !