ALABAMA, USA — This morning, Governor Ivey hosted the Oakwood Adventist Academy boys basketball team for a meeting in her office.
This meeting comes after Governor Ivey sent a letter of support to the team in their decision in forfeiting their regional semi-final game rather than play on their Sabbath.
In her original letter, Governor Ivey invited all of the players and coaches to meet with her at the State Capitol.
The governor started the meeting by reminding the boys what an inspiration they have been to her and many others.
Ivey praised the young men, saying, "Alabamians and even folks around the country have been in total admiration of the young men on the Oakwood Adventist Academy basketball team."
From constituents to lawmakers, Ivey explained that she has heard from a variety of individuals on the controversy surrounding AHSAA's decision to not allow the Oakwood boys basketball team to play their regional semi-final game at another time.
She then asked each player to speak briefly on the issue, where each player shared their name, position, and a key takeaway from the events that unfolded.
Ivey was impressed by the boys' strong convictions, and their determination to do what they thought was right. She also was moved by the players' positive outlook on life, even when things did not necessarily go their way.
To conclude the meeting, Governor Ivey asked the captain of the team about his thoughts on how the team will move forward from this.
Ivey remarked, "These boys stuck by their convictions, pointing out that sometimes it hurts to obey God. No doubt, these boys are reminding us all that when we work together and do what is right, we will be better off. As one player noted, God challenged them, and they passed the test."