It's Magic time

The Hawk Eye - 3/23/2017

March 23--The Burlington Police Department has lost to the Midwest Magic Special Olympics basketball team for the past three years in a row, and they'll be looking for some good-natured payback Sunday evening.

"I'm looking for the game to be a little closer this year," said Midwest Magic coach and Hopefully Yours store manager Brett Mitchell. "Each year it's gotten a little closer. But I think the Magic will pull it out."

"A Magical Afternoon 4," the fourth annual benefit basketball game between the police department and the Midwest Magic, will start at 4 p.m. Sunday at Burlington High School. Doors open at 3 p.m.

"It's more than just a game for them," Mitchell said. "They look forward to this every year. This is the culmination of what they practiced. This is our WrestleMania, our Super Bowl."

Midwest Magic formed about five years ago as a way to provide training and fellowship for special-needs adults living in southeast Iowa who regularly compete in Special Olympics Iowa events. The team started with fewer than a dozen competitors and has ballooned to more than 30 people. The money used from the annual benefit basketball game is used to take the athletes to Special Olympics events across the state.

"The first year, we just showed up and played a game," Mitchell said. "This year, I've tried my hardest to make it the best, most memorable experience for my players. This is their chance to feel like an NBA star."

Mitchell said this year's game will include lights-out introductions for the players, and a number of surprises for the halftime show. More than 1,200 people attended the game last year, and Mitchell is hoping this year will be even bigger. The players have already received well wishes from the Harlem Globetrotters and Iowa Hawkeyes through Facebook.

"It's really amazing, the community support we get. Even if people aren't related to the players, they come out to show their appreciation," Mitchell said.

Mitchell has a roster of 31 players to rotate in and out (counting cheerleaders), and they'll be taking on 15 of the finest basketball players from the Burlington Police Department, including Chief Doug Beaird and Maj. Darren Grimshaw.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students, and can be purchased at both Hy-Vee locations and downtown at the Hopefully Yours Thrift and Gift Store. Tickets also can be purchased at the door. Children age 5 and younger will get in free.

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