BIG SPRING, TX – On Friday morning, the West Texas Centers Annual Darrell E. Smith Hoops, Dreams, and Goals Basketball Tournament kicked off at the Dorothy Garrett Coliseum for the first time since 2019. The event is held in March to highlight Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in which people with and without disabilities come together to create and form strong, diverse communities.
Teams made up of basketball players, pep squad participants, cheerleaders, and coaches from throughout WTC’s 23 county service area participate in the tournament. At the end of the day, the winner of the tournament is announced and the spirit stick is awarded to the most spirited team.
Big Spring High School’s drumline and cheerleaders, Howard College Cheerleaders and mascot, along with fans and other Big Spring community members were present to greet the teams as they made their way through the entrance tunnel. Plus they got a special greeting from West Texas Centers CEO Shelley Smith and Howard County Judge Katherine Wiseman before the team introductions began.
Teams participating in bracket play will be the Abilene Bombers, Ballinger Longhorns, Big Spring Heat, Concho Valley Bobcats, Midland Panthers, Monahans / Pecos Warriors, Permian Basin Odessa Tigers, Seminole Pink Panthers, Snyder Wildcats, and the Sweetwater Red Rattlers.
First-time referees for the event Daphne Thomas and Trung Tran, both staff members with WTC told KBest News that Hoops, Dreams, and Goals is a big event for their organization and they are excited to participate. When asked what his favorite thing is about the event, Tran told KBest News that he likes that it brings everybody together, community-wise.
West Texas Centers, which serves as the designated local authority for mental health and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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