By STEVE REAGAN Staff Writer Every choice has a consequence — and some consequences are downright deadly. Big Spring High School students got an up-close look at a possible consequence of drunk driving Tuesday when Victim Services, along with local law-enforcement and emergency responder agencies, held the fourth annual “Shattered Dreams” presentation.
A participant leads his own cheers during the 2007 Hoops, Dreams and Goals Basketball Tournament. This year’s tournament begins at 9 a.m. Friday at the Dorothy Garrett Coliseum. (HERALD file photo)
Special to the Herald
Basketball teams from around the region are gearing up for Friday’s annual Hoops, Dreams and Goals Basketball Tournament at the Dorothy Garrett Coliseum.
Six teams from around the area — the Big Spring Heat, Seminole Pink Panthers, Ballinger Longhorns, Sweetwater Red Rattlers, Snyder Wildkatz and Monahans Warriors — complete with their own cheerleading squads, will compete in games and special events at the home of the Howard College Hawks and Lady Hawks.
It’s West Texas Centers for MHMR’s own version of March Madness when the eight teams tip off at 9 a.m. Friday.
The tournament is also a time for the consumers of West Texas Centers for MHMR to exercise in an energized environment and celebrate March as Mental Retardation Month, West Texas Centers CEO Shelley Smith, LMSW, said.
“This is the fourth year West Texas Centers has sponsored the tournament,” Smith said. “And every year is more successful and more fun than the last.”
Big Spring Mayor Russ McEwen, along with State Rep. Joe Heflin, and Stefanie Wilkerson, representing State Sen. Kel Seliger, will assist with opening ceremonies.
The event, co-sponsored by The Howard County Arc, Howard College and West Texas Centers, recognizes and honors the many individuals and families who live with mental retardation on a daily basis, Smith said.
“We play music that you find at many basketball arenas around the country and that, coupled with our spirited cheerleaders, just adds to the excitement of the games,” she said.
The teams compete for a first place trophy but everyone is declared a winner.
“I wish everyone would come out and watch the games and all of the other special events we have on this day. I can’t think of any other day in my life that I look forward to more than the day we host Hoops, Dreams and Goals,” said Smith. “The tournament is the highlight of my year.”
The event is free and open to the public. For more information or if you would like to volunteer, contact Rodney Jones at 263-9795 or
