Basketball was first contested in 1968 at the first Special Olympics Games in Chicago, Illinois. Basketball events combine both team and individual skills competitions. Basketball is a summer sport and training season is usually from January to June.

Details for area p basketball Program

***AREA P hosts basketball programs in Lackawanna and Pike counties.  Please see details below on each training location.***

PIKE COUNTY

SOPA Season: Winter (Dec – Feb)

Location: Wallenpaupack North Primary School

Head Coach: Betty Ann Baerenclau – baerenkl@ptd.net, cell: 570-470-3108

What to Expect: Basketball skills only.

Training Specifics: First Tues. in December through last Tues. in February (weather permitting), 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm.

Competition Dates: 

Equipment: We will provide all the required equipment.

Uniform Requirements: We will provide athletes with a basketball uniform. Athletes are responsible for all other athletic apparel. Sneakers must be worn.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY

SOPA Season: Winter

Location: Archbald Borough Building (400 Church St.)

Head Coach: Bert Morgan –  morganbert747@gmail.com

What to Expect: 

Training Specifics: Practice is held January thru March of each year.

Competition Dates: 

Equipment: We will provide all the required equipment.

Uniform Requirements: We will provide athletes with a basketball uniform. Athletes are responsible for all other athletic apparel. Sneakers must be worn.

**IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS** 

ALL athletes must have a current medical (on Special Olympics PA medical form) that runs through the end of the season. If the athlete medical is not up-to-date, athletes WILL NOT be able to participate. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions to this rule since it poses a safety risk to the entire program. An up-to-date medical must always be on file with the coach as well as sent to the program manager for filing.

ALL athletes must attend at least 8 trainings and participate in qualifiers to be eligible to compete in State Games (Summer Games/Fall Festival/Indoor Winter Games).

ALL athletes can participate in multiple sports during the same season, but must declare a primary sport for State Games (Summer Games/Fall Festival/Indoor Winter Games).