Willie Ressler

Minot

On behalf of Special Olympics North Dakota, thank you to the city of Minot for hosting the 2019 State Basketball Tournament. The Minot community played a significant role in providing 60 games for 49 teams comprised of more than 460 athletes from across North Dakota a chance to showcase their ability and determination to succeed. The athletes’ achievements were supported by more than 100 volunteer coaches and close to 250 day of event volunteers from Minot, Minot State University Student Athletes, Minot Air Force Base Personnel and Turtle Lake Girls High School Basketball Team who volunteered their time and expertise to help make this a unique and special basketball tournament.

On behalf of Special Olympics North Dakota, I would like to thank the following facilities for allowing Special Olympics to use them that weekend: Bishop Ryan Catholic School, Minot Auditorium & Armory, Minot State University Dome and Swain Hall. Also, the many businesses Bearscat Bakehouse, Bishop Ryan, Coca-Cola, Cole Paper, Longhorn Steakhouse, Lowe’s Printing, Marketplace Foods, Morelli’s Distribution Inc., Panera Bread, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Spicy Pie, Town & Country Credit Union and Visit Minot that gave donations for the tournament.

Thank you also to the following groups for all their donated time; 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, First International Bank & Trust, Golden Kiwanis, Magic City Lions Club, Minot Air Force Base, Minot Chamber of Commerce Red Coats, Minot Fire Department, Minot Police Department, Minot State University Student Athletes and Special Olympics College Club, Minot Stilettos, Monday Night Bible Study Group from Our Lady of Grace, North Dakota National Guard, Pathfinders, REACT (Communications/Medical Services), Target and Ward County Sheriff Department.

I would also like to thank the following individuals: Charles Anderson, Terry Auch, Ed Baker, Paul Bauer, Denny Berglof, Chuck Berntsen, Daniel Bower, Dan Brekke, Duane & Jeanne Brekke, Skip Ellis, Kami Espe, Rick Fahrenbacher, Evan Forde, Dr Laurie Geller, Jerry Gooch, Drew Hanson, John Karhoff, George Killmer, Larry Knudsvig, Tim Kraft, Denise Larson, Dick Limke, Aaron Luetzn, Kelly Matalka, Bruce Mettten, Leonard & Gloria Neiss, Father Jadyn Nelson, Paul Nitsch, Jack Nybakken, Paul Pitner, Jim Olson, Ashton Roberts, Kara Smalls, John Thompson, Mark & Nancy Vibeto, Larry & Edwina Wahlund, DuWayne Walz, Paul Weltz, Janet Wing, and John Young for their time and energy.

Again, thanks to everyone that enabled these athletes to experience this year’s program theme, “Rise With Us.”

Ressler is the tournament director.