BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WECT)— A Brunswick County Special Olympics basketball team is preparing for the Special Olympics USA Games this summer after earning their spot in the national competition.
The team will compete in 5-on-5 basketball games at the tournament, which begins in June in Minnesota.
“I never thought I would be able to do something like this,” said Fonz Hyman, a Special Olympics athlete and team captain. “From the moment I found out that I was chosen, it just…I was like, am I dreaming or something?”
Training focuses on fundamentals
Hyman and his teammates are spending the next few months working on their skills with coach Sean O’Donnell.
“We have seen a lot of steady improvement,” O’Donnell said. “You know, from the idea of chest pass, to bounce pass, to overhead pass, to being able to dribble a ball up and down the court with control.”
Hyman said the team is focusing on ball control and avoiding violations.
“Gotta work on, like, ball control,” he said. “Gotta make sure you’re not, like, double dribbling or traveling. The refs are gonna be out there watching.”
Team captain emphasizes unity
As team captain, Hyman focuses on team unity.
“All we need to do is focus, keep our eyes on the ball, and know that that basketball net, that net right there, that’s our friend,” he said.
O’Donnell said the experience represents more than basketball for the athletes.
“For some of them, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime,” he said. “They’ll be getting to do a lot of firsts and interfacing with a lot of people.”
Hyman said he is ready for the challenge of competing in front of a large crowd.
“I know I’ve never played in front of a big crowd before, but here’s my chance to show everyone what I’m capable of,” he said. “To show my team. Be a team leader.”
O’Donnell said coaching the team has been rewarding.
“It’s a pleasure and it’s actually a privilege to do this,” he said. “And I really do enjoy it.”
Hyman expressed confidence about the team’s chances at the national competition.
“We’re going to be ready to take them on,” he said. “We’re going to be ready to take them on and bring gold back to North Carolina.”
The Brunswick County Special Olympics athletes are raising funds for their trip to Minnesota. Baskets will be raffled at the Brunswick County Polar Plunge on Feb. 21 in Oak Island.
Click here to donate to the team.
Copyright 2026 WECT. All rights reserved.