PLYMOUTH, Ind. -- Marshall and Starke Counties Special Olympics will be hosting its first ever basketball tournament next Thursday at the Auto Park Sports Complex in Plymouth. 

The tournament brings together Special Olympic teams from six Indiana counties including Marshall and Starke, for 5 vs. 5 full court games and 3 vs. 3 half court games happening throughout the tournament. Around 144 athletes are expected to compete at this event along with over 30+ local volunteers working together to make the event happen.

Organizers says "participating in Special Olympics provides athletes with intellectual disabilities a chance to train and compete in an authentic sporting event.  Having this tournament will also help fulfill the requirements for each team so that they may enter the Special Olympics Indiana Area Sectional Games in March. If the team advances in Sectionals, they will have an opportunity to compete at the Special Olympics Indiana State Basketball Tournament held in April at the Indiana Pacers Athletic Center."

The first annual Jingle Jam Tournament will be held on Feb. 16, at 2923 Vanvactor Dr. in Plymouth from noon to 6 p.m.

Volunteers and donors are still needed and those interested are encouraged to reach out to [email protected], call 574-935-0513, or visit their Facebook page for more information. Any monetary donations can be mailed to PO Box 1104, Plymouth, IN 46563.