The Hope College women's basketball team has relished being fans at DeVos Fieldhouse a few times this winter.

The Flying Dutch put the spotlight on the well-deserving athletes of the Holland Area Special Olympics as they hosted hosted more than 50 local Special Olympians for an annual skills clinic in January and a 12-team, 120-player tournament in February.

Photo by Monica Dwyer

Click here to see a photo gallery from the event.

They officiated, coached and cheered for the Special Olympians during both events on Hope's home court.

Hope coach Brian Morehouse said he has been involved in Holland Area Special Olympics since 1987. He said he was hooked immediately.

"Their energy, hugs, joy for life and infectious enthusiasm are such a gift," Morehouse said.

Hope co-captain Brittany Berry said Special Olympics is a great way for us to give back to those in our community who give to us constantly.

"They are always in the stands and invested in us," Berry said. "It's such a gift to be able to spend time with them and see their faces light up playing the same game we all love."

Mary Stassen, the Holland Area Special Olympics coordinator, was delighted that so many people came out in support of her Special Olympians.

"It's incredible," Stassen said. "The athletes have a wonderful time and just being with the Hope women and Coach Mo, they just have so much fun. They really look forward to it."

Video from Special Olympics skills clinic by Hope student Erika Paine