The Special Olympics Basketball Tournamentcontinued with game two Saturday in Norfolk.
The tournament was held at Norfolk Academy and included both half-court, full-court, and beginner player courts.
The purpose of the Special Olympics is to provide an inclusive environment for those with intellectual abilities to come and participate in a friendly and competitive environment.
Samantha Bondurant, Global Messenger and Basketball player, tells News 3 that she enjoys participating because she has fun and has a ton of support from her family.
"I get to be with my friends and coaches, and have many support from my family," said Bondurant.
And Samantha's family also agrees that the Special Olympics has allowed her to build confidence and find an environment in which she belongs.
Kelly Bondurant, Samantha's mother, tells News 3 that she has seen an increase in her daughter's confidence since joining the team.
"Her confidence has just blossomed, she's always like competing. She competed in high school for track and cross-country. And when she graduated she didn't have anywhere to go and compete. She loved the team atmosphere, that she had at school, so when we found the Special Olympics and she was able to compete and be part of a team again, she was just so happy," said Bondurant.
The tournaments will continue throughout the year and will conclude with an additional tournament game for the full-court players.
For more information on the Special Olympics Virginia,click here.
