Marshall, Starke Counties Special Olympics seeking volunteers for Jingle Jam Basketball Tournament Feb. 16th

Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 10:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

Thanks to Auto Park Sports Complex in Plymouth, Marshall and Starke Counties Special Olympics is looking to host its first basketball tournament. The first annual Jingle Jam Tournament will be held on Feb. 16, from noon to 6 p.m., at 2923 VanVactor Drive in Plymouth.

This tournament is bringing in other Special Olympics Indiana teams from six different area counties, including two Marshall and Starke Counties teams. The competition will have 5-on-5 full-court games and 3-on-3 half-court games. Approximately 144 athletes will be competing at this event, along with over 30 local volunteers participating to help make this event a success.

Participating in the Special Olympics provides athletes with intellectual disabilities a chance to train and compete in an authentic sporting event. This tournament will also help fulfill the requirements for each team so that they may enter the Special Olympics Indiana Area Sectional Games in March. If the team advances in Sectionals, they can compete at the Special Olympics Indiana State Basketball Tournament held in April at the Indiana Pacers Athletic Center.

Volunteers and Elite Donors are still needed. If you are interested in helping, please email marshallstarkeso@gmail.com or call 574-935-0513. Monetary donations may be mailed to PO Box 1104 Plymouth.