
Just over a dozen athletes from the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania (SOPA), Westmoreland County Chapter, as well as Bobcat fans from all over, packed the Chambers Hall Gymnasium for one of the largest turnouts for a basketball doubleheader in recent times. Sponsored by the Pitt-Greensburg Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the Student PSEA, and the Pitt-Greensburg Athletics Department, it was the annual SOPA Basketball Doubleheader, where fans, coaches, and athletes united to support a worthy cause.
The Bobcats men's team defeated the Penn State Behrend Lions in the first game of the day, but possibly an even bigger highlight took place at halftime. That is when the SOPA athletes took the court for a ten-minute pickup game for the ages. Every shot came with a gasp from the crowd, followed by a collective cheer when the ball went through the net.
In addition to the pickup game, the Pitt-Greensburg Organizations donated proceeds from ticket sales, 50/50 raffles, and a basket raffle to the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania. With all being considered, just under $500 was raised and went to SOPA.
The event has been a highlight of the Pitt-Greensburg community. Be sure to look out for the SOPA doubleheader in 2026