The GCISD Special Olypics Basketball Triple Threat Shoot Out held at Grapevine High School exemplifies the values in our Principle Compass (Dignity, Equity, Integrity, Quality) - which may be why so many officers jumped at the chance to participate or cheer on the teams February 27. 

The game itself can only be enjoyed when players from both sides show good sportsmanship by treating each other with dignity and equity.  

Officers and athletes must possess integrity and quality to understand that winning this game is about more than the final score: it is about winning the hearts of the citizens who cheer on these athletes; winning supporters to donate money for their cause; and winning smiles from the athletes themselves, whose perseverance and hard work deserve to be celebrated.  

Watching the game, it was impossible to tell who had a better time - the officers (who worked up quite a sweat trying to score) or the athletes who went head to head against the men sworn to protect them.  High fives were never reserved to teammates, as officers and athletes praised their accomplishments together.   Not even the excessive fouls called by the referee (that sent officers to an off-court jail) could dampen the good mood of players (let’s face it -- who could be unhappy when the young athletes were clearly delighted by the penalties?)

In the end, the special olympics team crushed Grapevine Police 34-17.  But, the real takeaway is that thousands of dollars were raised for the athletes, thanks to admission, concessions, donations, and raffles by the Bell Helicopter BLADES group.  Thanks to everyone who participated!