Day 1 of 2 begins for fifth annual Ralph Davis Unified Basketball Tournament

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A two-day basketball tournament for young athletes started Wednesday, April 22, at a sports complex in Saukville. 

It's about more than just sports; it's about inclusion and education. 

This is the fifth annual Ralph Davis Unified Basketball Tournament. It was named for the late Ralph Davis, who coached girls' basketball and a special Olympics basketball team - both at Washington High School in Milwaukee. 

This tournament features high school players with and without intellectual abilities, on the floor, playing at the same time. 

"I played in middle school and I didn't have a lot of people that I could hang out with. But like from this I feel like I've met so many people from DSHA and St. Colletta that I'll be friends forever," said Oliver Kloss, Marquette High School student. 

One of the organizers tells us this event has grown from a small invitational tournament to a two-day tournament featuring more than a dozen teams. 

"They're learning that there's other opportunities that don't have to just be traditional special Olympic sports or varsity basketball. There can be a middle ground where students can learn and develop their skills together instead of always separately," said Grace Petersen.

Special Olympics and Milwaukee Recreation are involved in this tournament, which his free to the public and continues tomorrow at the Gateway Sports Complex in Saukville.