Special Olympic athletes take part in basketball clinic - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Before the NAIA division two women's basketball tournament gets underway at the Tyson Event Center, the arena welcomed a different kind of athlete Tuesday morning.

Iowa Special Olympics athletes made their way to the to Sioux City to take part in a basketball clinic with women players in the tournament.

The athletes took part in stretches, drills and even a scrimmage in preparation for their upcoming events.

Kelsey Evans of Briar Cliff University has taken part the last three years and says it's been a great way to start off the tournament and take home some memories.

"I think what I remember most is how happy they are after the event," said Kelsey Evans.

The Diocese of Sioux City has sponsored the event for the last twelve years with the help of Father Dennis Meinen who has multiple sclerosis.

He says his condition allows him to understand the deeper meaning of the event. "You should see the kids shoot or try to run you think gosh...they are brave in the attempt," said Father Meinen.

The women's NAIA tournament kicks off Thursday.

The Special Olympics Mid Winter Games start March 15 in Iowa City, Iowa.