Every eye at the North Idaho College gym was on the participant, as she was lifted high to the 10-foot rim of the basket by three very tall smiling college basketball players for NIC. She launched the ball, it rolled around the rim a little, then dropped into the basket to the thunderous applause of the fortunate ones who attended the Special Needs Extravaganza basketball game Oct. 24.

Those that attended the game on Oct. 24 were entertained by 30 special needs players. Their ages varied from age 8 to the 40s. The size of the players varied also, from 6-foot, 3-inch Robert Langdon, the gentle giant of the court, who was so considerate of the shorter players.

Other players from the teams included A-Train, Tia Vick, Ricky Zent, Matt Jorgenson, Caleb Rinard, Gayle Freschette, Josh Helwich, Katelunn Hay for the green team; Adam Kenney, Trevor Kirseborn, Sara Grillo, David Shiplett, Abbey Waterdown, Conrad Freschette, Brent Albertson for the yellow team; Ryan Sullivan, Chris Banks, Casey Crosby, C.J. Degrassenreit, Josh Brown, Tanner Crosby, Makayle Hay and Ed Finstad for the red team; and Jesse Christenson, Steven Kirsebom, Charmaine Brown, Steven Mitchell, Loriann Macklin, Kathy White, Zach Pugsley and Andrew McKlintoch for the Blue Team.

The players were good sports; it wasn't about "I want to show you how good I am," it was share the fun. Good sportsmanship was in abundance.

If that wasn't enough, we were entertained by the Coeur d'Alene High cheerleaders, and the awesome Post Falls High pep band that played my alma mater's fight song, "Go Vandals go." At halftime we were indulged by a group of precision high school drummers from Lake City High who really rocked. I confess that when I was a teen at Moscow High School I wasn't quite that dedicated to service work for others.

As the players entered the gym after halftime, they were greeted by awesome music and smoke coming from the entrance, just like in college football games. With their smiles and enthusiasm, they were warmly applauded by the crowd. I could no longer hold back my tears; they flowed like a river.

This game let me put my own set of problems into perspective. It was pleasant to slow down a little, and take a breather from the stress of things like the 13-car pile up on Highway 95, and simply enjoy the moment that God gives to me.

Is the important thing in my life to focus on whether I can get the money for that new Beamer? It seems like we are so preoccupied, isolated and addicted to our cell phones, that we can't say "hi" to the person next to us, that might need our love and attention.

The Bible says "the last shall be first, and the first shall be last." 1 Samuel 16-7 These players were first in my book. The Bible also says, "man looks at the outward appearance, while God looks at the heart." Mathew 20-16.

Thanks to the coaches, the referees, all the other volunteers, North Idaho College and Real Life Ministries for making this game, a night to remember.

If this game happens again, let's pack the house at the NIC gym, and give support to some real heroes.

Steve Bell is a Coeur d'Alene resident.