That is how it is every year at the annual Heidi Prior Heart and Hoops Special Olympic basketball tournament at Thornapple Kellogg High School. Cheers continued to ring out throughout the game for students who seldom gain recognition. This year’s event, postponed until today because of last week's snow day, featured teams from TK, Hudsonville, and Kenowa.
The entire TKHS student body filled the gymnasium for the first game to support their TK Trojan team, but also to just as loudly cheer on the opposing team as well. The game is about so much more than just the score when the final buzzer sounds. Organizers say that’s exactly what Heidi Prior would want to see.
The event is named after Prior who was a longtime TK teacher and started the tournament several years ago. The event was named in her honor in 2022 after she died in a traffic accident in 2021. Her husband, Jim, still attends the event every year.
Jillian Foster, teacher, coach and organizer for the games, said this is always a special day and she's glad to see what Prior started still continues today. “This is one of our most fun days of the year. The kids look forward to it every year. We continue doing it to honor the tradition started by Heidi Prior. Our students love playing while all the students are here and cheering for them. They get to be in the spotlight and get all that support from everyone in the stands. They don’t get that kind of positive attention every day."
Even after the games are over, Foster said it’s fun to see her students interact with other students in the high school hallway. “You hear them saying things like ‘good game,’ or ‘nice shot,’ and it’s just fun watching the interactions.”
The fans not only erupted in cheers for every basket, they also started a “Go Orange, Go Black,” chant followed by “Let’s go TK,” across the stands.
“This event brings out the best in everyone. It showcases the positive school spirit and kindness that our students possess. I am so proud of our athletes and our students," said High School Principal Tony Petersen.
He extended the accolades for the students who volunteered to serve as referees, scorekeepers and timers. Most of the students have helped referee youth sports or are part of the high school Links program. The Links program pairs high school general education students with students with special needs.
High school student Brooklyn Harmon said she loves the opportunity. “I love watching the players do something they love to do and knowing that I get to help them.”
“It just makes you feel good to help and see them have so much fun,” said Ellie Harmon. Reece Ritsema agreed saying "It's a great program and I like being able to give back and help others."
Brody Hammer shouted encouragement even as he refereed the game. “Go ahead and take the shot,” he encouraged one player, and then “try again,” as the ball was tossed back after it bounced off the rim.
The stands also included parents, grandparents and special guests from the public. “I think the best part is how the players all help each other. Like some of the ones that can’t shoot or dribble, the other teammates all help them and even the other team passes them the ball to try a shot again,” said Katie Thompson who came to watch her student play.
Wendy Hayes also came to watch her son play for TK. “I love that they (the teams) get encouragement from the whole school. I think it’s great having them (all the students) in here to cheer them on.”
At the end of the day, most players and spectators couldn’t tell you the scores of the games. But it seemed like everyone left with a smile on their face and a good feeling about watching a special group of students enjoying the spotlight for a day and playing a simple game of basketball.
“This is one of my favorite days of the year,” said Petersen. “You can tell the players love it, and the students in the stands are so positive and supportive. I love it!”