Photo gallery: Special Olympics Utah stages spirited basketball finals

Basketball at any level brings out the competitive juices, even more so when March Madness hits the nation.

But competition was combined with inclusion and connection during the Special Olympics Utah Unified Sports State Basketball Championships on Monday at the Delta Center

The tournament brought together 32 teams from 26 high schools at the Delta Center for a day focused on inclusion, connection, and yes, competition.

With Utah first lady Abby Cox in the crowd, fans were treated to fun games, lots of smiles and satisfied athletes.

Cox’s Show Up initiative is a supporter of the expansion of the Special Olympics Unified Sports program across Utah K-12 schools, providing opportunities for students of all abilities to participate in competitive opportunities.

The first lady was joined by the Utah Jazz, Gallagher and other community leaders at the free event, which also included a donation to Special Olympics Utah from the Light the World Giving Machine initiative.

Deseret News photojournalist captured the energy and excitement from Monday’s action.