The Broadmoor Bobcats traveled to VASJ High School on Friday, February 22, for a special basketball game against members of the Vikings boys and girls teams.
The Vikings fought hard but ultimately fell to the Bobcats 53-32, continuing the team’s 200+ game winning streak. This may be the only game of the year that VASJ doesn’t mind losing.
When the Broadmoor team arrived at VASJ, they received an enthusiastic welcome from a gym full of VASJ students, faculty, and staff dressed in green and white (Broadmoor’s school colors) and decorated with personalized signs and banners.
At halftime, all of the VASJ students joined the Broadmoor team on the basketball court for a dance party. Everyone got involved in a fun (and long) conga line. The smiles on the faces of all the students were quite a heartwarming sight to see.
Every basket scored by the Broadmoor team was followed with enthusiastic screaming and cheering. Even after the Vikings lost, there was nothing but excitement and joy for the winning Bobcats team.
After the game, VASJ Principal Dave Csank presented Broadmoor with a championship trophy for their efforts. Both teams then gathered at center court for a group picture.
This is not the first time the Bobcats have battled the VASJ Vikings in a basketball game. The game has become a highly anticipated and much-loved annual event for both schools.
“The Broadmoor-VASJ basketball game is the high point of the year for all of us,” says VASJ Principal David Csank.
The basketball game at VASJ is a great example of the mission of the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities/Deepwood which is to empower people with developmental disabilities to engage in activities that enrich their lives and contribute to their community.
“Bobcat basketball games are one of the most treasured events for our Broadmoor students,” says Ann Mahler, assistant superintendent at Lake County Board of DD/Deepwood.
“This experience allows our students to show everyone just how capable and extraordinary they truly are. Through their hard work and sportsmanship, each game is a learning experience for not only our Bobcats but for the opponent as well.”
It was clear by the level of enthusiasm and support shown during the game that the VASJ community enjoyed the experience just as much as the Broadmoor students.
“The support that our kids show for the Bobcats, and the love and enthusiasm the Bobcats have for the game of basketball is such a joy to witness,” says Csank. “The Bobcats exemplify heart, courage, and determination. The example they set for our students is impossible to measure.”
The Broadmoor community once again felt the love and support from the VASJ community during their visit.
“We appreciate Villa Angela-St. Joseph and their enthusiasm and willingness to join us on this journey of inclusion and acceptance,” says Mahler.
The Broadmoor Bobcats may have left with the victory trophy, but every student involved with this wonderful event felt like winners that day.