Kennedy High School competed in the Special Olympics Iowa 2026 Spring Classic Basketball State Tournament on Saturday, Mar. 14, at West High School in Iowa City.
Special Olympics Iowa provides year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. 2026 is the second year of competition for the Cougars in the basketball tournament.
“Athletes can start participating in elementary school, and continue participating throughout their whole lives,” Kennedy Special Olympics coach Kiley Chihak said. “Once our Kennedy athletes graduate, there are organizations like CR Rec and Therapeutic Adventures that have Special Olympic teams.”
Kennedy showed out this year with five students receiving awards. Khiana Bruce, Ashlyn Presley, Antonio Long, and Brooke Perez participated in the Basketball Skills event. This event consists of passing, dribbling and shooting. Presley earned a fourth place medal, Antonio earned a fifth place medal and Perez placed sixth. Kyleigh Hoffmann participated in the Speed Dribble event and placed second.
At Special Olympics Iowa, the events are not used as sources of economic benefits, but are intended for the sense of community and support for individuals with disabilities.
“It’s amazing for the coaches and volunteers. I do not get paid a dime for running this team, nor do the other staff that help us practice or support us at events,” Chihak said. “Since no one is getting paid to be there, we are all there because we want to be and have a camaraderie around elevating the athletes and supporting everyone.”
The Special Olympics goes deeper than sports skills. The inclusion and experiences leave a lasting impression on participants. Athletes are able to showcase their capabilities just as their peers do, as well as learn valuable lessons that can be translated into everyday life.
“The impact is immeasurable. For the athletes, it gives them the opportunity to participate in sports the way their peers do, but in a safe and supportive environment that is accommodating to their specific needs,” Chihak said. “They get to feel success, as well as defeat, which are all good life lessons everyone gets to have. They train and learn how to put in effort toward a team and personal goal.”
Special Olympics Iowa gives parents and families a chance to see what their child is capable of while in a safe and welcoming environment.
