EUGENE, Ore. – The Bushnell men’s and women’s basketball teams continued one of the Beacon’s most treasured traditions on Sunday, spending the afternoon with their friends from the Special Olympics.
The annual event, which returned in 2024 after a four-year layoff steemed from the pandemic, has been a part of Bushnell’s Champions of Character-related initiatives for nearly two decades. Once again, the event drew some familiar faces from Bushnell’s most loyal fan base. For two hours, the athletes participated with and alongside the Beacon rosters, and the event had as much impact on the players and coaches as it did on the participants.
Senior Liv Tjoelker, who helped organize the event, said, “Each year the returners and coaches look forward to this event and spending time with the Special Olympians. Within a few minutes, our first-time players knew exactly why. You can look anywhere in the gym and see smiles, laughter, and pure joy. In so many ways it is a blessing to be a part of, and in the midst of our basketball season grind, it is important to take a break for an event like this that puts everything into perspective. I wouldn’t trade the amount of joy in the gym for anything.”
“This is always such a great event, and I am glad that we do it every year,” added senior Luke Smith. “To not only see the impact that we make on them but to see the impact they have on us is amazing. To see everyone having a good time, smiling and laughing it what it is all about!”