POTEAU (KFSM) - Some very special athletes from LeFlore County will have their dreams come true Friday night (Dec. 5) as they take part in a big state championship game.
The Poteau Pirates Special Olympics Football team will be taking the field in Tulsa, Oklahoma during halftime of the 6A Championship Game.
"For us to be invited to go and compete this time of year, it's an honor," coach Tanna Weaver said.
"Our kids feel like it's their Superbowl even though it's only an eight minute game," coach Barbara Leonard said. "It's a big deal to them to get to play in front of thousands and thousands of people."
Athletes on the team said they've been practicing hard and can't wait to show off how much they've improved over the past several months.
"I've been running, throwing, and catching... everything like that," said athlete Will Dodson.
"I'm just really excited to play," his teammate, Bryce Smith said.
Head coach Cliff Parks said the team has been reviewing their best plays the last several days, coming up with their strategy for the game.
"We're just going back over what we already know but maybe have forgotten over the last six months," Parks said.
To make the game mean even more, the Poteau High School Football team donated ten of their own jerseys for the team to wear for the big day.
"They actually look like a good school team," Weaver said. "They look just as good as the next team out there competing. So that's boosted their spirits and they're looking forward to go show them off."
"It doesn't matter if we win or lose it's just about our kids having a great time and giving it the best that they can," Leonard said. "They give it all heart when they`re out there on the field."
The state championship game starts at 7:05 p.m. at the Tulsa University Football Stadium.