THUNDER BAY — A team of Thunder Bay Police Service all-stars took on the St. Ignatius Falcons senior boys’ basketball team in support of local Special Olympics athletes on Tuesday.
The crowd was roaring as the police all-stars and the St. Ignatius Falcons senior boys’ basketball team went head-to-head for the title.
It was a close game, but the all-stars pulled into the lead with four minutes left, creating a final score of 76-67 for the all-stars.
Although, the Special Olympics team completely dominated the ‘winning’ TBPS all-stars in the half-time game, with a score of 18-3.
Noah Filice, a player on the Special Olympics basketball team, remembers playing in a similar charity basketball game a few years back at Hammarskjold.
“It feels really great to get back into it,” Filice said.
Filice said he was intimidated by the TBPS all-stars when he saw them going up against St. Ignatius, and it felt great to leave with a victory.
“It felt pretty crazy and honestly kind of unexpected,” Filice said.
Filice said he’s been playing basketball since 2015, which will mark this year as his 10th.
Lucas Dyll, Grade 12 player on St. Ignatius Falcons senior boys’ basketball team, said it means a lot to help out the community while having a great time with the team.
“There wasn't that much on the line. It was more of a laid-back game, but with the crowd out there, It's pretty fun.”
To help out the community, be able to raise money and spread awareness for Special Olympics is a great feeling, Dyll said.
Kyle Kehler, police officer and organizer, said it was a tough game.
“We knew it was going to be (tough) going into it. They're a good team; they have a lot of practice. We have a lot of good players, but quite a bit older as well," he said. “The turnout was great. There's a lot of organizing in behind the scenes and I want to thank everybody that helped and made it happen."
Kehler said its always a great time for everyone involved.
The TBPS all-stars were presented with a $1,500 cheque that will stay in Thunder Bay for Special Olympics athletes.
