EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A player from the Fort Walton High School Braves Special Olympics basketball team, is given a medal Feb 6, for placing in the regional finals during the 2009 Northwest Sectional basketball tournament here. More than 125 athletes on 17 teams from seven counties throughout Northwest Florida participated in the event. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman Anthony Jennings)

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An athlete from the Columbia High School Tigers Special Olympics basketball team, reaches for a rebound Feb 6, during the 2009 Northwest Sectional basketball tournament here. More than 125 athletes on 17 teams from seven counties throughout Northwest Florida participated in the event. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman Anthony Jennings)

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The coach of the Columbia High School Tigers Special Olympics basketball team, motivates his team after a timeout during the 2009 Northwest Sectional basketball tournament here. More than 125 athletes on 17 teams from seven counties throughout Northwest Florida participated in the event. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman Anthony Jennings)

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Jennifer Bryant, 96th Medical Operations Squadron, roots for the Columbia High School Tigers Special Olympics basketball team, during the 2009 Northwest Sectional basketball tournament here. More than 125 athletes on 17 teams from seven counties throughout Northwest Florida participated in the event. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman Anthony Jennings)

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An athlete from the Fort Walton High School Braves Special Olympics basketball team, drives down the court Feb 6, during the 2009 Northwest Sectional basketball tournament here. More than 125 athletes on 17 teams from seven counties throughout Northwest Florida participated in the event. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman Anthony Jennings)

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Airmen from the 96th Security Forces Squadron root for the Fort Walton High School Braves Special Olympics basketball team Feb. 6, during the 2009 Northwest Sectional basketball tournament here. More than 125 athletes on 17 teams from seven counties throughout Northwest Florida participated in the event. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman Anthony Jennings)

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The Columbia High School Tigers Special Olympics basketball team, prepares to break for the second half Feb 6, for placing in the regional finals during the 2009 Northwest Sectional basketball tournament here. More than 125 athletes on 17 teams from seven counties throughout Northwest Florida participated in the event. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman Anthony Jennings)

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Athletes from the Godby High School Special Olympics basketball team, pose for the camera Feb 5, during the 2009 Northwest Sectional basketball tournament opening ceremony. More than 125 athletes on 17 teams from seven counties throughout Northwest Florida participated in the event. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman Anthony Jennings)

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Airmen from the 96th Medical Group root for the Columbia High School Tigers Special Olympics basketball team Feb 6, during the 2009 Northwest Sectional basketball tournament here. More than 125 athletes on 17 teams from seven counties throughout Northwest Florida participated in the event. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman Anthony Jennings)

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Tony Ray, an athlete from the Godby High School Special Olympics basketball team, cheers on another team Feb 5, during the 2009 Northwest Sectional basketball tournament opening ceremony here. More than 125 athletes on 17 teams from seven counties throughout Northwest Florida participated in the event. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman Anthony Jennings)

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Col. Rick LoCastro, 96th Air Base Wing vice commander, speaks for the opening ceremony of the 2009 Northwest Sectional basketball tournament opening ceremony Feb. 5 here. More than 125 athletes on 17 teams from seven counties throughout Northwest Florida participated in the event. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman Anthony Jennings)

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The ceremonial torch is lit during the opening ceremony for the 2009 Northwest Sectional basketball tournament here. More than 125 athletes on 17 teams from seven counties throughout Northwest Florida participated in the event. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman Anthony Jennings)

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Playing against the odds

Published Feb. 12, 2009