Many people say that sports are not about winning or losing, they are about having fun. No team at Minnetonka takes this to heart more than the Lakers adapted softball team.  The Lakers, who have different teams for the physically impaired and the cognitively impaired, are still in the beginning of the adapted softball season.  Representing both Minnetonka and Wayzata public schools, the Lakers bring out the true fun in sports while also being a competitive team.  The adapted softball teams are all playing to win, but win or lose there is no doubt that they are having a great time.

I attended the Lakers’ game against the Anoka-Hennepin Mustangs, and I was amazed by the spirit and passion of the players.  Even though the Lakers lost the game, they played their hardest and did not let the score prevent them from having fun.  Throughout the game players were constantly cheering, sending words of encouragement to one another.  After the game, coach Amy Mayer said, “These games are fun, competitive, and just like any other sport.”  And Mayer was right, because the games really are no different than any other baseball or softball game.  There is never a dull moment, as there were many strikeouts, big catches, powerful hits, and even some close calls for umpires.

The only disappointing thing about the Lakers’ games is their fan section, which is practically nonexistent.  Adapted softball is just like any other sport, and like other sports they deserve the same passionate, encouraging, and loud fan section. The team should not be viewed any less than our baseball and softball teams because it is just as competitive and just as fun.

Thankfully, the Lakers still have many games left in their season, giving our students more than enough chances to show our support by attending these truly exciting games and cheering the players on.  I know I will be going to see my new favorite Minnetonka sports team more often, and I hope many others will join me.