Special Olympians brimming with enthusiasm

By John Grant Emeigh - 11/08/2008

Watch Special Olympic opening ceremony! Andy Hedstrom's coaches say he looked like country singer Kenny Chesney before he grew his mustache. "Now, I'm Tim McGraw." Hedstrom said.

Andy Hedstrom's basketball is pretty solid, but he's got one weakness in his game.

Blondes.

The 22-year-old admits he gets distracted by all the pretty young volunteers at courtside. And there were plenty of distractions for Hedstrom Friday morning on opening day of the Special Olympics Montana State Basketball Tournament.

Hedstrom's coach, Travis McDowell, came up with a quick strategy to keep him focused before the game.

"We've got to get a blonde to stand under each net," he joked.

Hedstrom is among the 650 athletes who are in Butte this weekend playing in one of the largest basketball tournaments in Montana. Just before his first game Friday at Butte High, Hedstrom sat in the bleachers sporting a black cowboy hat. He plays for the Special K Ranch from Columbus.

"The games are fun, but I think I'm ready to go dancing tonight," Hedstrom said with a wide grin.

Joe Burst, who runs the Special K Ranch, said the athletes look forward to the dance that is held after the first day of competition.

"This is one of the most enjoyable parts of the year for them," he said.

Keven Halsey, 35, likes participating in the Special Olympics so much he's been doing it for 13 years.

"I love Special Olympics," he said as he prepared to represent Lewistown on the hardwood Friday morning.

Warming up before the game, the big man wearing number 55 on his jersey didn't miss a basket.

Rebecca Ring, one of the volunteers for the Lewistown team, smiled from courtside as she watched as Halsey enthusiastically ran his drills.

"He just loves basketball," she said.

Ring loves volunteering with the Special Olympics. It's her second time, and she says she will continue to do it for as long as she's allowed.

Special Olympics Montana is a nonprofit international program of year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

"It's something everyone should do, it's very rewarding," she said. "I don't know how you can go through this and not come out a better person." — Reporter John Grant Emeigh may be reached via e-mail at john.emeigh@lee.net or by telephone, 496-5511