Winners Abound at 'Tournament of Champions'

The gymnasium was filled with kids Thursday, kids with amazing abilities.

The Tournament of Champions is an annual event that allows kids with physical challenges to participate in a day of adapted physical activities. According to Ryan Kelly, coordinator of Adaptive Physical Education for and the director of the Tournament of Champions, "everyone's a champion today."

"It's a day that we are making sure everyone experiences success," Kelly said. "A lot of times, because of their physical challenges, it's harder for them to do basic things like shoot a basketball. So we lower the basket to help them make it. Everyone's gonna be successful, everyone's gonna have fun."

Part of the fun lies in the buddy system. McDaniel students volunteer their time and energy to buddy up with the young athletes. During the event, the college students work directly with their buddy, helping, encouraging, cheering and smiling.

At the end of the day every young athlete runs through a human tunnel, created by buddies, McDaniel College representatives and local police officers. Once through the tunnel, the student received a certificate.