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Treasure Village Montessori basketball team crowned champs at Special Olympics

Eight middle school basketball players making up Treasure Village Montessori’s junior team wore their gold medals around school following their first-place finish at the Florida Special Olympics in Tavares on Feb. 25.

For TVM principal and coach Kelly Mangel, the moment was memorable for the Sea Dragons team composed of four athletes with disabilities and four partners who work with them on the court. It was the first time in Monroe County’s history that a basketball team competed at the Special Olympics. And it was the first time a county basketball team came back champions. The Sea Dragons won the first game, 32-29, on Feb. 24 and followed up with a 28-22 victory in the second game on Feb. 25 to take the championship.

“For me, the best moment was watching the partners work together to ensure each athlete had a shot,” Mangel said. “There are three athletes and two partners on the court at a time. The partners were boxing out so the athletes could keep shooting. It was neat to see.”

Before heading off to competition, the team was showered with cheers and chants from Treasure Village Montessori students and staff on Feb. 23. Following a round of high-fives with fellow students, the team hopped on a bus for an eight-hour drive. Mangel drove the team to competition.

Mangel said the basketball team were excited when they arrived at The Big House, the large NBA-like venue with nine hardwood courts. But there were questions from her team over the competition and uncertainty if they’d even have a chance to win.