COEUR d'ALENE — At the conclusion of the annual Special Needs Basketball Extravaganza, Adam Kenney always has a burning question: When is the next one?

The Coeur d'Alene 21-year-old will be among about 30 athletes with special needs participating in the fifth annual extravaganza at North Idaho College's Christianson Gym on Wednesday night.

"I feel like I'm a pro basketball player when I go," Kenney said. "I can't wait to find out what color my team is."

The first game starts at 5:45 p.m.; the second one at 7 p.m. The event is free. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to benefit the NIC Food Pantry.

Joelyne Kenney, Adam's mother, said the event is always spirit- filled with high school bands, halftime entertainment, area sports teams cheering on the athletes and widespread fan support.

"It's just a fun and exciting night," Joelyne said. "We get together to celebrate life. This is one of the fun things that we get to do together. If people come out, they won't regret it."

The extravaganza, sponsored by Real Life Ministries, is the real deal complete with an announcer, introductions, referees, music and other features of a high school or college game.

Hayden's Mike Pugsley, father of 25-year-old Zach who will be participating, said the exposure of the program to the community is outstanding.

"The crowd really gets behind the athletes and supports them," Mike said.

Zach said he can't wait to get on the floor with friends.

"Basketball is a good sport, and I like playing it and hanging out with friends," he said. "It's a good thing for us to go out and see what we can do. It's fun to be a part of something big and exciting."

The ages of the participants range from 14 to in their 50s.

"It lets people focus on their abilities and not their disabilities," Joelyne said. "Last year some young families with children who have special needs came to see what the event was all about. They enjoyed it very much and, when they were leaving, they said it gave them hope for their child's future."