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SWFL Special Olympics teams basketball competition

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ESTERO, Fla.-- For the first time, Estero High School played Cypress Lake High School in a Special Olympics basketball game for students and faculty.

Estero High School's "Best Buddies" program, promotes life skills and empowering exercises for 15 students with special needs. The school says the game was organized to promote inclusion and show others that these students have amazing abilities.

"It's just a dream day for all of our students because they're all including in our regular sports program today and we're so excited" says Gina Sheehey, who is a Life Skills Teacher and a Basketball Coach. After the game, basketball player Christian Ciocca said "people are so happy to see us win. It's okay if we lose, but it's not a big deal because it's going to be a lot of fun. No pressure. Don't give up. Just keep trying your best."

This is the first year Estero High School was able to get the Special Olympics program in their school.