Niles West’s C.E.C. Club competed inMaine Township Education’s annual basketball tournament last Saturday.

Niles West won in the sense that a group of extraordinary Pathway students who don’t always get to partake in sporting activities finally got their chance to shine under the spotlight.

Sophomore C.E.C Club treasurer Jesse Sacks was very happy with the event.

“I think it’s a good way for the kids to meet people and compete in something they’ve been working hard at. These kids deserve the same type of excitement as anyone at West,” Sacks said.

Fellow club member, senior  Molly Kleppin, agreed with Sacks.

“This tournament is a good way to get involved and make them feel involved in something bigger than just Niles West. This team is just as important as any other team. Fans should come support them,” she said.

Junior team member and participant Hannah Fisch said she was just happy to have a good time.

“It doesn’t matter if you win, just have fun!” Fisch said.

The C.E.C club sponsor Mary Jo Schnebel said that everybody deserves the opportunity to compete in something.

“[This event is] extremely important. Disabilities don’t impede people from competing. This is so important that the whole school should come watch their enthusiasm and how hard they work together. It’s contagious,”  Schnebel said.