Willie Ressler, Minot

On behalf of Special Olympics North Dakota, thank you to the city of Minot for hosting the 2025 State Basketball Tournament. The Minot community played a significant role in providing 28 games for 28 teams, comprised of more than 302 athletes and 50 cheerleaders from across North Dakota, giving them a chance to showcase their ability and determination to succeed. 

The athletes’ achievements were supported by more than 61 volunteer coaches and close to 200 hours of volunteer time and expertise from Minot, Nedrose girls basketball team and Minot Air Force Base personnel to help make this a unique and special basketball tournament.

On behalf of Special Olympics North Dakota, I would like to thank the facilities for allowing us to use their gyms, groups for all their donated time, all the individuals for their help and Special Olympics Management and staff for their time and energy.

Again, thanks to everyone that enabled these athletes to experience this year’s outstanding program and repeat the Special Olympics Athletic Oath, “Let Me Win, But If I Cannot Win, Let Me Be Brave In The Attempt.”