Two Special Olympics teams from Whidbey Island gave it their all at a statewide tournament this past weekend and came home with big wins.

South Whidbey Wind, coached by Steven Thompson and Mike Etzell, earned silver medals at a basketball championship that took place Saturday, March 2 in Wenatchee. The team played a total of seven games, including a nail-biting triple overtime and a sudden death match.

“We were on the edge of our seats, the anxiety of seeing if we were going to win or lose,” said parent Tiffany Thompson.

Her daughter, Zoe, has been part of the Special Olympics for the past 12 years and has competed in a medley of sports, from basketball to bowling to swimming.

“They do sports all year long, and it’s so awesome for these kids to get off their screens and learn the basics,” Tiffany said.

Although the Thompsons live on South Whidbey, at times Zoe has also competed for Team Whidbey, the Special Olympics team based on North Whidbey that is coached by Shari Mays and Chris Becker.

On Saturday, Team Whidbey took fourth place in the basketball tournament.

To play on one of the Special Olympics teams, athletes need not have any prior experience. The players range in age from 8 to 74 years young, Becker said.

“It’s a good opportunity for kids to meet new people, for the parents to meet other families,” Tiffany Thompson said. “It’s so much fun. You cheer on for the other teams.”

Spring sports, which include swimming and track, start soon. The Special Olympics is open to individuals ages 8 and up with a disability. To find out more about the teams on Whidbey, email Wispecialolympics@gmail.com or Mikeet@islandcountywa.gov.

An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the date of the state basketball tournament. It has since been updated with the correct info.

Photo provided Team Whidbey, from left to right: Christopher Strader, Dawnica Wiks, Emily Nord, Michael Murcray, Lance Maly and Jason Mays.