Sikeston community rallies for Special Olympics

Sikeston’s volleyball players celebrate their win over the school soccer players in a benefit event for the Special Olympics at the Field House on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

SIKESTON — The Sikeston Student Council hosted a unique charity volleyball match on Monday night at the Field House. The event pitted the school’s soccer team against the volleyball team, all in the name of a good cause: Special Olympics.

“My favorite part was seeing the girls having fun and playing the sport they love,” said Sikeston assistant volleyball coach Savannah Kesselring. “Being out there with their classmates and friends, it was special.”

The event was a resounding success, drawing a large crowd of fans and community members who contributed to the cause with a modest $1 admission fee.

Sikeston’s PJ Farmer warms up during a benefit event for the Special Olympics at the Field House on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

While the soccer team undoubtedly brought athleticism to the court, it was the volleyball team that showcased the strategic mastery and experience necessary to dominate the game.

“The strategy was to get it over the net and don’t worry about doing anything fancy,” said Sikeston soccer coach Gabe Dement. “Assume the miss and see what we can do. I thought we were competitive in the first set of both matches.”

The volleyball players, well-versed in the nuances of their sport, leveraged their expertise to secure victories in both the junior varsity and varsity matches. The varsity match concluded with a decisive 2-0 win, with scores of 25-17 and 25-11, underscoring the volleyball team’s superior understanding of the game’s dynamics.

The event was not only a testament to the athletic talent within Sikeston but also a celebration of community spirit. The turnout was impressive, with fans and residents rallying behind the cause, demonstrating their support for both the athletes and the Special Olympics.

“That’s just Bulldog Nation for you,” Dement said. “They’re going to come support, especially an event like this. We got to shout out the student council for having this. We’ve done it before for the Bulldog Panty, which always benefits a great cause.”

This event added to the growing narrative of Sikeston’s vibrant sports culture.

The success of this charity match not only raised funds for a worthy cause but also reinforced the community’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all athletes. As Sikeston continues to build on its strong sports foundation, events like these serve as a reminder of the power of sports to unite and inspire.