If you were at the TriRivers Basketball League game on Thursday when Windsor High Dukes hosted the Southampton High Indians, then you likely experienced what I did that morning: The thrill of watching players who not only were obviously working hard, but clearly relishing every second on the court. All the while, fellow students, parents and teachers on both sides were cheering them on.

Purdue and Virginia Tech going toe to toe and head to head for a championship could not possibly be as exciting. The reason being as stated before: you could see the students give their all. In my admittedly limited experience, that seems to be missing from the post-varsity levels.

When I find myself watching basketball on a television, that’s only because it’s broadcast in a place where viewing cannot be avoided. The hypnotic power of the TV set too often pulls my attention and vision away from the meal or company before me. I’m compelled to watch, even occasionally get caught up in the action. What I don’t ever recall seeing is a real sense of enjoyment from the players during the game. That might still exist on the college level; the guys and gals have just arrived to a level that begins to fulfill personal ambitions. The ones who get paid, not so much. Possibly it’s become more work than play to them, and that shows on their faces and even in their performances.

I digress.

The chief reason the young players last week had such a good time is because they actually had the opportunity to play — an opportunity thoughtfully arranged and carried out by local educators such as Windsor High School Principal Daniel Soderholm or Southampton High School’s Special Education teacher Amy Davis, who serves as a coach for her eager Indians.

I should mention that the students in the TriRivers league have intellectual disabilities on varying levels of the spectrum. Also, their classmates who are not so challenged have been working with the players every step of the way in coaching and practicing.

As noted earlier, everyone on the sidelines was enthusiastic for the players. The audience saw as I did their determination not to let a handicap keep them enjoying an activity that so many — especially professionals — take for granted all too often.

You can lend your own support on Thursday when the final games will be played in Southampton High, beginning with Windsor and Park View competing at 10:30 a.m. followed by Franklin challenging Southampton. Athletes will be given medals of participation afterwards. Fans are encouraged to come out and support our Special Olympians.

STEPHEN H. COWLES is a staff writer at The Tidewater News. Contact him at 562-3187 or stephen.cowles@tidewaternews.com.